V 

X  *~ 


THE  LIBRARY 

OF 

THE  UNIVERSITY 
OF  CALIFORNIA 

PRESENTED  BY 

PROF.  CHARLES  A.  KOFOID  AND 
MRS.  PRUDENCE  W.  KOFOID 


THE 

NEW   SYSTEM 

OF 

EDUCATING  HORSES 

INCLUDING 

INSTRUCTIONS  ON  FEEDING, 

WATERING,  STABLING,  SHOEING,  ETC. 

WITH 

PRACTICAL  TREATMENT  FOR  DISEASES. 
ILLUSTRATED. 

INCLUDING  A 

LARGE  NUMBER  OF  VALUABLE   RECIPES 

NOT  BEFORE  PUBLISHED. 

BY    D.    MAGNER. 

Author  of  the  NEW  SYSTEM. 
TENTH    EDITION,   REVISED  AND   ENLARGED. 


BUFFALO : 
WAEKEN,    JOHNSON   &    CO.,    PKINTERS. 

1872. 


Entered  according  to  Act  of  Congress  in  the  year  1871, 

BY  D.  MAGNEK, 
in  the  Office  of  the  Librarian  of  Congress,  at  Washington. 


.flS*  Inquiries  for  this  book,  or  concerning  other  business,  addressed  to  Prof. 
D.  Magner,  Buffalo,  N.  Y.,  will  receive  prompt  attention. 


PREFACE. 


SINCE  publishing  my  first  book  in  1864,  comprising  only  64  pages,  I 
have  made  many  important  improvements,  until  it  is  now  conceded  that 
my  system  of  Educating  Horses,  is  the  simplest  and  most  practical  in 
the  world.  To  harmonize  with  my  work,  I  have  found  it  necessary  to 
repeatedly  revise  and  enlarge  it,  making  it  comprise  many  times  the 
r mount  of  matter  contained  in  the  first. 

My  principles  of  subduing  vicious  horses  constitute  an  entirely  new 
feature  of  my  success,  wholly  superseding  the  throwing-down  principle, 
found  to  be  so  valuable  by  myself  and  others. 

Included  also  will  be  found  the  most  reliable  and  practical  treatment 
for  the  care  and  cure  of  sick  and  lame  horses,  &c.  I  have  expended 
over  $5,000  in  the  study  of  Veterinary  Practice  alone. 

My  unquestioned  experience  and  success,  in  addition  to  the  value  of 
my  equipments,  comprising  the  most  beautiful  and  valuable  troupe  of 
Educated  Horses  in  the  world,  is  a  guarantee  of  qualification  and  res- 
ponsibility that  entitles  me  to  a  confidence  that  cannot  be  accorded  to 
those  who,  without  reputation  or  experience,  may  engage  in  the  busi- 
ness from  motives  of  policy. 

I  introduce  simple  common  sense  principles  that  make  the  successful 
control  of  even  the  wildest  and  most  vicious  horses,  not  only  possible, 
but  easy  for  any  one  of  ordinary  strength  and  intelligence  to  do,  which 
are  as  humane  as  they  are  effective  and  valuable. 

D.  MAGNER. 


M363713L 


PROF.  MAGNER'S  EDUCATED  HORSES. 


THE  portraits  of  my  horses  and  ponies,  on  the  opposite 
page,  all  stallions,  which  was  cut  from  a  painting  of  them, 
made  from  life,  by  one  of  the  most  eminent  artists  in  the 
country,  and  is  a  perfect  representation  of  them,  will  give  a 
better  idea  of  their  beauty  and  value  than  any  worded  des- 
cription I  could  give.  They  are  conceded  by  all  who  have 
witnessed  their  performances,  to  be  the  finest,  most  beauti- 
ful, best  educated,  and  most  valuable  troupe  of  horses  ever 
owned,  for  the  purpose  of  giving  free  exhibitions  by  which 
to  amuse  and  interest  horse  men  and  others  in  my  efforts; 
and  never  before,  perhaps,  was  there  so  fine  and  valuable 
an  equipment  used  in  illustrating  and  teaching  the  science 
of  educating  horses. 

These  horses  are  not  only  of  the  most  varied  character, 
but  their  performances  are  unquestionably  the  most  exci- 
ting and  interesting  ever  exhibited  in  this  country,  showing 
all  the  peculiarities  of  driving  without  reins  or  bits,  and 
show  a  sagacity  and  intelligence  in  the  ring  that  is  conceded 
to  be  most  wonderful. 


TURCO,  the  farthest  on  the  right,  is  a  black  stallion  of 
Duroc-Morgan  blood.  He  is  nearly  fourteen  years  old,  of 
beautiful  form.  He  was,  when  a  colt,  remarkably  vicious  ; 
at  four  years  old,  having  resisted  all  efforts  to  break  him,  he 
was  purchased  by  me  of  Esq.  Cgle,  of  Smithville,  Jeffer- 
son county,  N.  Y.,  in  June,  1861.  He  was  trained  by  me 
in  Smithville,  and  among  the  most  interesting  features  of 
his  training  was  that  of  driving  to  carriage  without  bridle 
or  reins.  The  performances  of  this  horse  excited  the  great- 
est attention  in  all  the  principal  towns  and  cities  of  the 
north  and  east.  I  trained  several  horses  to  drive  with  him, 
and  he  has  been  driven  and  exhibited,  double  and  single, 
by  me,  through  the  principal  towns  of  twenty-three  states. 


6  PROF.  MAGNER'S  EDUCATED  HORSES. 

This  ceasing  to  be  a  novelty,  by  the  number  of  horses 
soon  after  so  trained  by  others,  who  assuming  the  most  ex- 
travagant pretensions,  made  it  no  better  than  a  burlesque,  I 
superseded  it  with  other  and  more  interesting  features  of 
performance  under  canvas,  as  now  exhibited  by  me  daily. 

This  fine  horse  has  shown  some  peculiar  features  of  saga- 
city. He  will  not  allow  a  stranger  to  loaf  around  him,  will 
allow  any  one  to  approach,  feed,  water  and  clean  him,  but 
curiosity  seekers  who  may  show  any  timidity  in  going  near 
him,  are  soon  reminded  that  he  is  not  to  be  trifled  with, 
but  is  perfectly  docile. 

Gr  1  3P  JF»  O  HID  . 

GIFFORD,  the  black  horse  on  the  near  side,  is  of  Mor- 
gan blood,  ten  years  old,  and  is  one  of  the  most  beautifully 
modeled,  as  well  as  one  of  the  finest  performing  horses  in 
the  country.  Have  owned  and  exhibited  him  for  nearly 
five  years,  both  north  and  south.  Among  his  most  remark- 
able feats  is  that  of  acting  vicious  or  gentle  at  will.  He 
will  play  sick  in  the  most  natural  and  wonderful  manner, 
even  groaning  from  apparent  intense  pain. 


Next  on  the  off  side,  to  the  left,  is  represented  BLIND 
BILLY,  which  is  acknowledged  by  all  witnessing  his  per- 
formances, to  be  not  only  the  finest  modeled  pony,  but  the 
most  wonderful  performing  BLIND  HORSE  in  the  world. 
BILLY  is  now  nine  years  old,  mahogany  bay  color,  fourteen 
hands  high,  and  weighs  nearly  900  pounds.  He  is  as  above 
stated,  totally  blind,  and  has  been  so  for  four  years.  He 
does  everything  by  word  of  command  only,  and  not  the 
least  interesting  peculiarity  of  his  performance  is  the  atten- 
tion with  which  he  waits  for  and  promptly  obeys  every 
command.  He  will  run  the  ring,  turning  right  or  left, 
go  lame,  walk  on  his  knees,  kick  on  his  knees,  look  for  and 
find  a  handkerchief,  jump  clear  of  the  ground  and  kick, 
walk  on  his  hind  feet  around  the  ring,  or  turn  right  and 
left  in  circles  while  standing  erect  on  his  hind  feet.  He 
will  sit  down  like  a  dog,  turn  right  or  left  while  sitting  on 
his  haunches.  All  this,  and  much  more,  he  does  in  the 
promptest  manner,  at  the  word  of  command.  He  is 
acknowledged  not  only  to  excel  all  other  horses,  blind  or 


PROF.  MAGNER'S  EDUCATED  HORSES.  7 

not,  by  the  difficulty  and  variety  of  his  performances,  but 
surpasses  as  well  all  horses  known,  by  his  wonderful  perform- 
ances of  squealing  and  laughing,  at  the  word  of  command. 
The  sum  of  Seven  Thousand  Dollars  has  been  offered  and 
refused  for  this  beautiful  and  wonderful  animal.  He  is  un- 
questionably, the  rarest,  finest,  and  most  valuable  perform- 
ing pony  in  this  country,  if  not  in  the  world ;  and  the 
witnessing  of  his  performances  the  most  instructive  and 
interesting  novelties  of  the  day. 


The  best  Trick  Pony  in  the  World. 

The  nearest  on  the  left  is  the  Spotted  Pony,  TOMMY. 
As  his  appearance  shows,  he  is  the  smallest  and  most  cun- 
ning of  the  group.  He  is  eleven  years  old,  weighs  720 
pounds,  bright  bay  color  with  white  spots,  extending  back 
on  each  side  of  his  body,  and  is  a  perfect  model  in  form. 
TOMMY  is  the  clown  of  the  lot.  He  is  in  himself  a  whole 
show,  and  the  amusement  he  excites  by  his  unique  per- 
formances is  really  side-splitting;  it  is  not  so  much  what  he 


8  PROF.  MAGNER'S  EDUCATED  HORSES. 

does  as  the  way  he  acts  out  his  performance  that  so 
intensely  amuses.  He  is  as  apparently  innocent  and  gentle 
as  can  be;  even  allowing  a  child  to  go  under,  around,  or 
over  him.  Should  a  rider  even  fall  under  his  feet,  he  will 
either  carefully  step  over  him  or  stand  still  until  the  rider 
gets  up ;  yet  in  an  instant  by  the  merest  signal,  his  whole 
nature  seems  to  be  changed  to  the  character  of  a  vicious, 
dangerous  stallion,  with  ears  back,  mouth  open,  eyes  flash- 
ing fire,  and  every  hair  on  his  body  on  end,  he  will  clear 
the  ring  of  all  intruders.  At  such  a  time  there  are  but  few 
of  the  most  courageous  who  will  dare  to  enter  the  ring,  so 
apparently  dangerous  does  he  appear;  yet  as  quickly  at 
command  will  he  assume  his  former  gentle  appearance,  and 
play  with  any  one  or  go  around  the  ring  for  presents.  The 
sagacity  he  exhibits  even  in  this  is  almost  wonderful,  for 
if  given  no  attention  he  will  pass  by  without  apparently 
noticing  a  person,  going  directly  to  those  of  the  sunniest 
nature  by  whom  he  delights  being  caressed,  always  showing 
preference  for  well  dressed  and  good  looking  ladies,  for 
whom  he  seems  to  have  a  great  fondness,  acknowledging  a 
caress  or  a  present  with  the  politeness  of  a  courtier,  by 
a  bow  of  the  head. 

It  is,  however,  in  his  great  contests  with  riders  that  he 
shows  the  most  wonderful  sagacity  and  power,  throwing  or 
not  a  little  boy  easily  and  quietly  as  commanded,  but  send- 
ing the  smartest  and  best  riders  flying  at  will  from  his  back. 
It  is  in  his  great  performance  of  "  throwing  the  boys"  that 
he  brings  down  the  house  with  almost  insane  applause.  I 
have  seen  at  such  times  the  most  habitually  grave  men  and 
women  laugh  and  scream  with  delight,  until  the  tears 
coursed  down  their  cheeks,  and  in  many  instances  of  per- 
sons lying  down  upon  the  seats,  or  rolling  upon  the 
ground,  yielding  in  their  paroxysm  of  excitement  to  the 
uncontrollable  impulses  which  seized  them.  When  the  elo- 
quent preacher  and  senator  from  Ohio,  Mr.  Garfield,  who, 
with  his  friends  and  faculties  of  the  Hiram  College, 
attended  one  of  my  exhibitions  in  that  place;  so  great  was 
his  pleasure  while  witnessing  this  great  performance  of 
TOMMY'S,  that  he  rolled,  clapped  his  hands,  and  shouted 
with  delight. 

'  The  following  from  the  Cleveland  Leader,  in  speaking  of 
TOMMY'S  performance  during  one  of  my  exhibitions  in  that 


PROF.  MAGNER'S  EDUCATED  HORSES.  9 

city,  will  better  illustrate  the  excitement  and  interest  which 
his  performance  excites : 

"But  the  most  laughable  scene  took  place  when  the  spot- 
ted wild  horse,  TOMMY,  was  introduced.  He  presented 
every  appearance  of  a  wild  steed,  and  ran  restively  about 
with  distended  nostrils  and  fiery  eye,  his  mane  bristling 
like  the  quills  of  a  fretful  porcupine,  but  at  the  approach  of 
his  master  he  became  as  tame  as  a  lamb.  Every  one  was 
invited  to  try  their  equestrian  skill  on  TOMMY,  and  all  who 
tried  were  thrown  to  the  ground,  tenderly,  but  in  the 
twinkling  of  an  eye.  Mr.  Magner  offered  $500  to  any  one 
who  would  ride  TOMMY  one  minute.  Several  tried,  but 


Tommy,  in  his  famous  act  of  throwing  the  Boys. 

none  were  rewarded  with  success.  One  ambitious  gentle- 
man threw  off  hat,  coat  and  vest,  and  said  he  '  would  be 
d — d  if  he  didn't  ride  him.'  TOMMY  was  too  much  for 
him.  He  was  thrown  several  times,  and  finally  concluded 
that  he  had  better  let  TOMMY  have  his  own  way. ' ' 

Thus  it  is  seen  I  not  only  give  the  most  interesting  exhi- 
bitions free  under  canvas,  but  being  the  author  of  my  own 
work,  and  handling  and  controlling  the  wildest  and  most 
vicious  horses  daily  in  illustrating  my  system,  and  devoting 
too,  my  whole  attention  to  this  end,  that  I  am  inaugurating 
an  era  of  interest  in  the  study  and  kind  treatment  of  the 
horse,  which  is  in  the  extreme,  commendable  and  valuable. 


THE  NEW  SYSTEM  OF  EDUCATING  HORSES. 


THERE  are  so  many  who  claim  precedence  as  authors  of 
the  New  System,  etc.,  and  that,  too,  in  increased  propor- 
tion to  the  ignorance  and  inexperience  of  those  engaging 
in  the  business  as  a  matter  of  speculation,  that  a  few  words 
of  explanation,  in  relation  to  the  part  I  have  taken  and  of 
my  success  in  this  field,  becomes  necessary  as  a  matter  of 
duty  and  justice  to  myself  and  public. 

I  have  now  been  before  the  public  over  eleven  years, 
constantly  employed  in  imparting  a  knowledge  of  such 
principles  of  edncating  and  managing  horses  as  I  found 
to  be  most  simple  and  practical.  I  claimed  and  adver- 
tised a  NEW  SYSTEM  from  the  start.  In  the  winter  of 
1863-4  I  wrote  and  published  in  Utica,  N.  Y.,  at  the 
Herald  office,  an  exposition  of  my  treatment  called  "The 
New  System,"  copyrighting  the  same  under  that  title. 

Sometime  afterwards  I  sold  to  Mr.  A.  H.  Rockwell,  for 
three  hundred  dollars,  the  right  to  republish  this  work  under 
his  own  name,  a  copy  of  the  contract  of  sale  of  which  I  have 
still  in  my  possession. 

Mr.  R.  very  unjustly,  in  the  revision  of  this  book,  implies 
having  taught  me,  of  having  trained  the  horse  Turco  I  then 
owned,  etc.;  when  the  fact  was,  I  was  over  a  year  on  the 
road  before  I  met  of  heard  of  him,  I  had  trained  and 
exhibited  this  horse  nearly  two  years  before  he  saw  him.  To 
Mr.  Rockwell  undoubtedly  belongs  the  merit  of  giving  pub- 
lic exhibitions  of  the  feature  of  driving  a  horse  in  the  street 
without  reins  with  a  whip.  But  Mr.  Bunnell,  of  Wellsboro, 
Tioga  county,  Pa.,  emphatically  claims  that  his  wife  trained 
this  horse  to  be  guided  and  controlled  by  motions  of  a  whip, 
and  repeatedly  exhibited  him  at  County  Fairs  before  selling 
him,  and  before  being  purchased  by  Mr.  R.  This  is  Yiot, 
however,  any  discredit  to  Mr.  Rockwell,  being  too  simple  a 
feature  of  training  to  be  regarded  as  much  of  an  achieve- 
ment; and  besides,  he  has  proved  himself  a  gentleman  of 


NOTICES    OF   THE    PRESS    AND    PEOPLE.  11 

too  much  skill  and  merit  to  have  the  admission  now  of  this 
fact  injure  his  standing  or  character. 

I  also  gave  a  gentleman  named  R.  P.  Hamilton,  the 
privilege  of  republishing  one  of  the  earlier  editions  of  my 
book,  which  he  did  under  his  own  name,  a  copy  of  which 
edition  I  have  in  my  possession. 

[I  met  and  cultivated  the  acquaintance  of  Prof.  Hamilton  in  Ohio, 
in  the  winter  of  1866.  Between  this  gentleman  and  myself,  there  had 
during  our  acquaintance  been  maintained  the  warmest  feelings  of 
friendship,  contributing:  to  a  more  than  ordinary  interest  in  each  other's 
success  and  welfare.] 

In  March,  1868,  I  started  a  resident  of  Batavia,  N.  Y., 
named  O.  S.  Pratt,  in  the  business,  selling  him  two  trained 
horses,  one  of  them  a  gray  trick  pony  called  Billy,  and 
a  fancy  advertising  wagon.  At  the  same  time  I  sold 
another  gray  trick  pony,  named  Tommy,  to  a  gentle- 
man named  Graves,  a  resident  of  Lockport,  N.  Y.  This 
pony  was  afterwards  purchased  of  Mr.  Graves  by  the  said 
Pratt,  and  are  the  same  he  still  uses  in  his  business. 

Mr.  Pratt,  who  makes  some  pretentious  to  character,  I 
learn,  advertises  himself  as  author  of  the  New  System,  etc. 
He  certainly  was  not  identified  as  a  horse  man  before  the 
above  date,  having  kept  a  grocery  in  Batavia  previous  to 
the  above  time,  which  he  sold  for  the  express  purpose  of 
buying  his  outfit,  as  stated,  and  engaged  in  the  business  as 
a  mere  matter  of  speculation. 

I  am  known  in  the  principal  portions  of  twenty-three 
states,  extending  from  Maine  to  Mississippi,  including  New 
Brunswick.  I  am  the  author  of  my  own  work,  have 

TRAINED  AND  OWNED,  AND  DO  OWN  THE  FINEST  AND  MOST 
VALUABLE  STUD  OF  HORSES  IN  AMERICA. 

To  illustrate  and  prove  the  interest  I  excited  by  my  suc- 
cess in  this  field,  years  ago,  I  will  insert  here  a  few  sam- 
ples of  the  many  flattering  notices  I  received  from  the 
people  and  press  of  that  period  : 

From  the  Utica  Morning  Herald,  Jan.  23,  1863. 
HORSE  TRAINING. — In  the  afternoon  Mr.  Magner  gave  a  few  persons 
an  opportunity  to  witness  his  process  of  training  horses,  at  the  barn  of 
Mr.  Roberts,  near  the  cemetery.  Mr.  R.'s  stallion,  Ethan  Allen,  which 
is  known  as  the  most  vicious  horse,  in  this  part  of  the  State,  was  taken 
in  hand,  and  in  20  minutes,  Mr.  M.  had  him  completely  under  control 
so  that  he  could  handle  him  precisely  where  and  as  he  pleased,  and 
mannge  him  without  bridle  or  halter.  Among  other  apparently  very 


12  NEW   SYSTEM   OF    EDUCATING    HORSES. 

hazardous  things,  he  passed  beneath  the  horse  between  both  fore  and 
hind  legs.  An  unbroken  colt  was  also  operated  with,  and  was  brought 
under  complete  subjection  in  considerably  less  time  than  the  stallion. 
A  committee  of  competent  judges  present,  expressed  great  satisfaction 
with  the  result.  Mr.  MAGNER  has  a  system  of  his  own,  which  he  con- 
fidently thinks  to  be  superior  to  any  other  known.  He  guarantees  that 
he  will  subdue  any  horse,  however  vicious,  and  break  them  of  all  such 
bad  tricks  as  balkiness,  kicking,  biting  and  running  away.  He  is 
quite  a  young  man,  has  a  good  address,  and  seems  to  possess  much 
more  than  ordinary  intelligence.  We  think  he  is  likely  to  become 
famous  in  his  profession.  Of  course  we  would  not  be  justified  in  giving 
the  details  of  his  system. 

The  above  mentioned  horse  had  bit  and  struck  Mr.  Roberts  six  months 
before,  so  severely  and  so  desperate  was  his  fury,  that  it  was  with  the 
greatest  difficulty  two  men  drove  him  off  with  rails,  but  not  until  Mr. 
Roberts  had  an  arm  lacerated  and  oroken,  and  was  insensible  from  his 
injuries,  from  which  he  had  not  yet  recovered.  The  horse  ran  loose  in 
a  building,  being  fed  and  watered  through  a  window,  and  so  vicious 
that  he  had  not  been  taken  out  or  handled,  nor  could  his  owner  or  any 
one  go  into  his  room  with  safety.  Indeed  I  was  entreated  by  the 
committee  comprising  Mr.  Butterfield,  (now  Genl.  Butterfield  or  his 
brother,)  Mr.  Golden,  (Merchant,)  Editor  of  Herald  and  others,  not  to 
go  near  him — that  they  would  do  all  they  could,  to  interest  the  public 
in  my  favor,  if  I  would  not.  But  the  success  above  stated,  will  show 
with  what  ease  and  quickness  I  made  him  obedient  to  my  will.  He 
was  used  and  driven  afterwards  perfectly  gentle,  by  his  owner.  The 
Utica  Herald,  Mr.  Roberts,  or  other  gentlemen  named,  can  be  referred 
to,  for  proof  of  this  statement. 

From  the  Kennebec  Journal,  Augusta,  Me,,  Feb.,  1864. 

Mr.  Magner,  the  author  of  this  philosophy,  and  who  proves  himself 
to  be  one  of  the  most  expert  and  scientific  horse  tamers  and  trainers  in 
the  world,  has,  during  the  past  week,  delighted  and  astonished  the 
good  people  of  Augusta  and  vicinity  by  the  admirable  and  perfectly 
successful  demonstration  of  his  system  in  subduing  and  controlling  some 
of  the  most  vicious  and  ungovernable  specimens  of  the  horse  fraternity 
that  could  be  found  among  us.  The  manifest  and  acknowledged  im- 
portance of  this  art,  and  the  desire  of  the  public  to  understand  and 
witness  the  results  of  its  application,  induced  a  crowded  attendance  of 
all  classes  on  Mr.  Magner's  practical  illustrations  of  his  theory.  All 
who  attended  came  away  fully  convinced  of,  and  perfectly  satisfied  with 
the  correctness  of  the  principles  and  workings  of  this  new  system.  Even 
the  members  of  the  Senate  and  House  of  Representatives,  and  the  mem- 
bers of  the  Executive  Council  took  a  leisure  hour,  laid  by  the  affairs  of 
State,  forgot  their  parliamentary  squabbles,  and  found  both  amusement 
and  instruction  in  witnessing  the  skill  and  consummate  tact  with  which 
Mr.  Magner  handled  the  hitherto  incorrigible  subjects  brought  forward 
to  test  his  new  doctrine.  Crowds  of  our  most  intelligent  citizens  were 
also  in  attendance,  and  became  decidedly  and  thorougly  satisfied  that 


NOTICES    OF   THE    PRESS    AND    PEOPLE.  13 

Mr.  Magner's  system  is  all  that  he  claims  for  it,  and  when  applied,  will 
be  effectual  in  bringing  the  wildest  and  most  stubborn  horse  into  com- 
plete subjection  and  docility.  A  large  class  of  pupils  united  in  order 
to  profit  by  Mr.  Magner's  instruction,  and  learn  the  best  modes  of 
applying  his  theory  to  practice,  and  as  a  matter  of  course,  the  hardest 
and  most  vicious  horses  that  could  be  found  in  the  neighborhood  were 
brought  in  for  him  to  subdue ;  all  of  which  were  completely  tamed  and 
brought  into  such  a  state  of  docility  as  to  astonish  those  who  saw  it. 
So  satisfactory  and  perfectly  successful  were  his  instructions  and  experi- 
ments to  every  one  who  attended,  and  so  efficient  and  useful  did  his 
principles  and  modes  of  procedure  prove  themselves  to  be  in  training 
and  subduing  horses,  that  the  officers  of  the  Second  Maine  Cavalry  were 
influced  to  invite  him  to  give  a  course  of  instruction  to  those  of  the 
regiment  who  could  be  spared  from  duty  to  attend.  In  this,  too,  he 
was  perfectly  successful,  as  in  all  other  instances.  The  most  dangerous 
of  vicious  horses  are  those  frisky,  nervous,  touchy  kickers,  whose  heels 
are  always  ready  to  greet  you  whenever  you  approach  or  attempt  to 
harness  them.  One  of  this  class  was  brought  forward,  of  so  desperate 
a  character  that  her  owner  cautioned  Mr.  Magner  that- he  would  expose 
himself  to  danger  and  probable  injury  if  he  was  too  familiar  with  her. 
In  a  very  short  time  he  had  her  so  effectually  subdued  and  conquered 
that  he  could  do  anything  he  pleased  with  her — jump  upon  her  back, 
slide  off  behind  her  heels,  handle  her  feet,  and  place  himself  in  any 
position  he  pleased  around  her  without  her  offering  the  least  opposition 
or  showing  the  least  disposition  to  bite  or  practice  her  old  tricks. 

It  may  be  thought  that  the  practice  of  this  mode  would  require  great 
strength  and  size  of  body.  On  the  contrary,  Mr.  Magner  is  a  young 
man  hardly  of  medium  size,  and  of  a  very  modest  demeanor.  But  he  is 
compact  of  form  and  muscle,  resolute,  prompt  and  decided,  though 
kind  and  patient  in  action — requisites  more  essential  in  dealing  with 
the  many  crabbed  and  cross-grained  brutes  that  are  often  brought  for 
him  to  tame,  than  herculean  strength  or  size  of  limb  and  body.  He 
was  strongly  urged  to  stay  longer  in  the  city  and  repeat  his  course  to 
another  and  larger  class,  but  his  prior  engagements  prevented  a  com- 
pliance with  the  request. 

In  his  tours  through  the  country  in  the  fulfillment  of  his  mis- 
sion of  good  to  so  useful  an  animal,  we  commend  him  to  the  friendly 
attention  of  farmers  and  horsemen,  who  will  find  his  principles  of  great 
value,  in  this  necessary  art.  We  look  upon  this  mode  of  horse  training 
as  an  art  wonderful  for  the  sure  and  infallible  results  which  follows  its 
appliance.  

Maine  Farmer,  Feb.  24,  1864. 

His  practice  is  guided  and  aided  by  common  sense  applications  of 
most  simple  mechanical  means  and  new  principle  of  control,  as  will 
convince  the  most  stubborn  and  willful  horse  that  there  is  a  power 
above  him  to  which  he  is  soon  glad  to  submit.  It  is  all  done  quietly, 
no  whipping  nor  thrashing;  no  mauling,  bawling  nor  swearing,  as  has 
too  often  heretofore  been  the  custom  in  such  cases.  Herein  is  one  of 
the  great  and  invaluable  improvements  which  Mr.  Magner  introduces 


14  NEW    SYSTEM    OF    EDUCATING    HORSES. 

in  the  art  of  bringing  the  horse  under  complete  control  of  man.  We 
make  the  remarks  for  the  purpose  of  calling  the  attention  of  our 
farmers  and  owners  of  horses  of  Maine,  to  these  new  improvements  of 
such  vital  importance  to  their  interests.  We  have  taken  pains  to  give 
them  a  personal  investigation.  You  will  find  Mr.  Magner  a  modest, 
unassuming  young  man,  and  no  humbug,  and  we  cordially  advise  every 
one  who  can,  to  obtain  his  lectures. 


Portland  (Me.)  Tranbcript— 1884. 

Mr.  Magner,  the  Horse  Tamer  and  Trainer,  has  been  in  Portland 
during  the  past  week,  and  has  created  a  great  stir  among  our  horsemen. 
So  great  was  the  interest  excited,  that  Mr.  Magner  formed  a  school, 
which  was  largely  attended  by  those  interested  in  such  matters,  includ- 
ing many  of  our  best  citizens  who  have  fine  horses,  and  seems  to  have 
been  altogether  satisfactory.  Such  success  in  so  brief  a  period  is  quite 
unusual.  His  exhibitions  have  been  very  interesting  and  have  satisfac- 
torily demonstrated  his  ability  to  bring  the  most  unmanageable  horses 
entirely  under  his  control.  An  innocent  colt,  fresh  from  the  country, 
was  introduced,  and  in  a  few  minutes  acted  the  part  of  a  well  trained 
horse;  then  came  a  spirited  mare,  whose  stubbornness  was  not  so  readily 
but  no  less  surely  overcome;  an  old  stager,  which  had  for  years  defied 
every  farrier  in  the  county,  but  after  five  minutes  training  stood  quietly 
as  a  lamb  while  his  feet  were  handled  and  hammered  in  true  black- 
smith style;  a  splendid  animal,  whose  principal  fault  seemed  to  be 
unusual  fright  at  the  sight  of  an  umbrella,  in  a  very  short  space  of  time 
stood  unmoved  as  one  of  those  articles  was  placed  before  him  and 
moved  about  his  body,  and  when  at  last  it  was  held  above  and  dropped 
upon  his  head,  he  appeared  to  regard  it  with  far  more  of  complacency 
than  fear;  a  puller  on  the  bit  was  beaten  at  his  own  game  and  yielded 
handsomely.  Whatever  the  tricks  and  eccentricities  of  which  the  ani- 
mals brought  forward  were  guilty,  they  found  more  than  their  match  in 
the  horse  tamer,  who  did  not  in  a  single  instance  let  a  horse  pass  out  of 
his  hands  till  he  could  truthfully  say,  "  I  have  you,  sir."  He  was  asked 
to  test  his  skill  still  further  on  a  vicious  mule  which  was  brought  in  and 
turned  loose  in  the  ring;  he  was  indeed  a  villainous  fellow,  and  not  at 
all  agreeable  in  his  manners,  refusing  to  be  bridled  or  handled,  and 
meeting  every  one  who  approached  him  with  an  undesirable  display  of 
his  heels — but  in  less  than  fifteen  minutes  his  whole  demeanor  was 
changed,  and  he  remained  perfectly  quiet  while  he  was  again  and  again 
haltered,  mounted  on  all  sides,  and  handled  from  head  to  foot,  and 
finally  was  led  out  perfectly  submissive.  The  change  was  wonderful 
and  called  forth  great  applause. — These  exhibitions  are,  as  we  learn, 
foreign  to  Mr.  Magner's  custom  and  general  purpose,  which  is,  not  to 
exhibit  feats  in  horsesmanship,  but  to  make  the  people  practically 
acquainted  with  his  system,  and  thereby  create  increased  interest  in 
raising  and  managing  horses.  He  is  soon  to  start  out  into  the  towns 
of  this  State,  and  we  hope  farmers  and  horsemen  will  give  him  all  the 
attention  which  his  theory  and  his  success  merit. 


NOTICES    OF   THE    PRESS    AND    PEOPLE.  15 

Mr.  Magner  is  about  thirty  years  of  age,  is  rather  below  the  ordinary 
height,  has  a  stout,  muscular  body,  a  sprightly  piercing  eye,  and  speaks 
with  a  clear  voice  and  convincing  manner,  and  in  deportment  and  ap- 
pearance is  altogether  a  gentleman;  and  it  is  only  just  to  say  in  his 
behalf,  that  in  Portland,  as  well  as  in  several  towns  which  he  has 
visited,  he  has  won  for  himself  and  his  method  of  managing  horses 
great  favor,  and  many  are  now  carrying  out  successfuly  the  instructions 
which  they  have  received  from  him. 


Portland  (  Me.)  Advertiser— 1864. 

RAREY  NOWHERE. — Mr.  Magner,  whose  equestrian  feats  have  excited 
the  wonder  of  our  citizens,  has  left  the  city  in  order  to  fulfill  numerous 
engagements  in  the  country.  It  is  yery  fortunate  for  him  that  this  is 
not  an  age  when  men  are  executed  for  witchcraft.  Had  he  lived  in 
Salem  in  1692,  and  exhibited,  as  he  has  here,  his  power  over  refractory 
horses,  he  would  have  been  hung,  as  sure  as  fate,  for  a  wizard.  In- 
deed, we  are  not  certain  that  he  does  not  practice  some  sort  of  witchery 
in  his  management  of  horses.  No  one  can  form  an  idea  of  his  won- 
derful power  over  them  until  he  witnesses  proof  of  it.  To  see  a  horse 
furious,  stubborn,  defiant,  with  a  very  devil  in  his  eye,  in  a  few 
moments,  by  some  mysterious  power,  calmed  down,  rendered  docile, 
patiently  submissive,  and  allowing  every  liberty  to  be  taken  with  him — 
in  a  word,  the  evil  spirit  which  had  possessed  the  animal,  completely 
exorcised — you  can  hardly  credit,  although  the  marvelous  transforma- 
tion takes  place  under  your  naked  eye.  A  knowledge  of  Mr.  Magner's 
theory  of  subduing  the  horse  must  be  invaluable  to  all  owners  of  the 
animal.  The  horse  has  been  the  gentleman's  special  study.  He  has 
made  himself  acquainted  with  all  his  characteristics.  He  has  but  to 
look  upon  the  animal  to  discover  his  faults,  and  straightway,  by  a 
miracle,  as  it  were,  he  corrects  them.  It  seems  almost  too  much  to 
believe,  and  people  will  not  believe  it  until  they  see  for  themselves 
proof  of  the  gentleman's  success. 

I  WOULD  MOST  RESPECTFULLY  REMIND,  that  whatever  my 
success  a  few  years  ago,  I  have  since  then  introduced  new 
principles,  and  made  improvements  which  enable  me  to 
produce  results  now  in  the  education  and  reformation  of 
horses,  in  many  instances  in  a  few  minutes,  which  it  would 
have  been  most  difficult,  if  not  wholly  impossible  for  me  to 
have  done  a  year  or  two  ago,  the  proper  application  of 
which  will  enable  results  in  the  reformation  of  vicious  hor- 
ses, that  is  even  now  wonderful  and  almost  beyond  belief. 
I  have,  during  the  past  summer  and  fall,  taken  horses  in 
hand,  in  Ohio  and  Michigan,  that  had  resisted  all  efforts  of 
the  best  horsemen,  who  practiced  the  treatment  of  all  oth- 
ers who  have  traveled  in  the  business,  as  well  as  that  I  used 


16  NEW    SYSTEM    OF    EDUCATING    HORSES. 

years  ago,  and  in  every  case  controlled  and  drove  them 
easily  and  safely  in  less  than  an  hour.  I  have  now  a 
conception  of  this  great  and  important  science,  which  long 
experience  and  careful  study  only  will  enable,  the  value  of 
which  I  prove  by  the  successful  results  exhibited,  and  the 
high  appreciation  of  my  instructions  by  all  giving  me 
attention. 

I  have  devoted  the  best  part  of  my  life  exclusively  to  the 
development  of  this  science,  besides  expending  a  large 
amount  of  money  in  the  study  of  veterinary  practice,  under 
one  of  the  ablest  Veterinary  Surgeons  in  America,  Dr. 
Wm.  Somerville,  of  Buffalo,  N.  Y.,  whose  certificate  will  be 
found  below ;  thus  insuring  the  undisputed  reliability  of 
my  efforts  and  of  making  my  work  of  great  practical  value 
for  reference. 

Prom  Dr.  Wm.  Somerville,  Proprietor  of  the  Buffalo,  N.  Y., 
Horse  Infirmary. 

"This  is  to  certify,  that  D.  MAGNER,  Esq.,  served  un- 
der me  nearly  two  years,  during  1868  and  1869,  as  an 
apprentice  to  learn  and  be  instructed  in  the  Veterinary 
Profession.  I  consider  him  well  qualified  to  treat  success- 
fully all  Diseases  in  Horses,  and  able  to  practice  as  a  skill- 
ful and  competent  Veterinary  Surgeon. 

WM.  SOMERVILLE, 
Vet.  Surgeon,  Member  of  two  Veterinary 

Colleges,  and  of  36  years  practice. 
Buffalo  Horse  Infirmary, 
127  Erie  St.,  Aug.  i,  1869." 

No  one  desires  more  earnestly  than  I  do,  the  success 
and  encouragement  of  any  one  who  may  prove,  even  to  a 
limited  degree  competent  to  teach  reform  in  the  treatment 
and  care  of  horses.  There  is  need  enough  of  wholesome 
practical  effort  in  this  direction,  and  after  the  prolonged 
and  arduous  struggle  which  I  have  maintained  during  the 
best  part  of  my  life,  in  this  trying  field  of  professional  enter- 
prise, I  feel  more  like  retiring  to  the  quietness  and  pleasure 
of  private  life  than  continuing  in  it  longer.  Hence  I  am 
above  any  feelings  of  envy.  I  have  felt  compelled,  in 
this  edition  of  my  book,  to  make  these  explanations,  but 


NOTICES    OF   THE    PRESS   AND    PEOPLE.  17 

more  for  the  satisfaction  of  those,  who  have  and  may  give 
me  attention,  than  for  the  gratification  of  my  feelings. 

The  few  following  notices  from  a  large  number  of  a 
recent  date,  will  show  the  appreciation  of  my  system  of 
treatment  by  the  most  critical  horsemen  in  the  country. 
From  people  too,  who  have  given  attention  to  all  those  who 
have  traveled  in  the  business,  from  Mr.  Rarey,  down  to 
the  present  time,  showing  the  great  appreciation  of  my  ef- 
forts over  that  of  all  others,  proving  that  my  principles 
of  treatment  are  most  effective  and  practical  yet  brought 
into  use. 

From  the  Michigan  Horse  Breeders'  Association  of  Jackson, 
Mich.,  May  6,  1871. 

We,  the  undersigned  officers  and  members  of  the  Michigan  Horse 
Breeders'  Association,  and  citizens  of  Jackson,  have  attended  Prof. 
Magner's  lectures  on  the  education  of  horses  while  in  this  city,  and 
endorse  him  to  the  people  of  the  State  as  a  reformer  of  great  merit. 

His  treatment  reduces  the  education  of  horses  to  a  definite  and  fixed 
science,  ensuring  not  only  the  most  humane,  but  the  most  wonderful 
results  in  the  control  of  wild  and  vicious  horses.  We  have  witnessed 
the  effect  of  his  treatment  in  the  control  of  a  large  number  of  vicious 
horses,  and  have  no  hesitation  in  saying  his  system  is  the  best  in  the 
world. 

S.  S.  VAUGHN,  President. 

J.  A.  ROBINSON,  Secretary. 

GEO.  SHERWOOD,  Treasurer. 

DAN.  B.  HIBBERD, 

C.  C.  TURNER. 

Endorsed  by  the  following  eminent  citizens  of  Jackson. 

A.'  JJ*PANBTL?NE,     }   Pr°Prieters  of  Hibbard  House' 
M.  KNAPP,  Livery  and  Horse  Dealer. 

B.  J.  JOHNSON,  Member  of  City  Council. 
CHAS.  MESEROLL,  City  Marshal. 

W.  L.  SEATON,  Postmaster  and  Member  of  City  Council. 
ROBT.  KNOWLES,  County  Clerk. 
JESSE  HURD.  Proprietor  «f  Track. 
JOHN  GOODYEAR,  Livery  and  Sale  Stable. 

C.  C.  POND,  Broker,  and  50  others. 


From  the  Jackson,  Mich.,  Patriot. 

Prof.  Magner  gave  his  last  exhibition  and  lecture  in  this  city  on 
Saturday  afternoon  last,  and  as  usual,  a  large  number  were  in  attendance 


18  NEW    SYSTEM    OF    EDUCATING    HORSES. 

at  the  opening  exhibition,  and  at  least  two  hundred  members  of  his 
class  were  present  to  listen  to'  the  closing  lecture,  and  witness  some  of 
his  wonderful  feats  of  subduing  and  managing  horses.  At  the  close  of 
the  lecture,,  one  of  the  members  of  the  class  offered  the  following  reso- 
lution, which  was  received  with  applause,  and  adopted  without  a 
dissenting  voice : 

Resolved,  That  we,  the  members  of  Prof.  Magner's  class,  hereby  ex- 
press to  him  our  high  appreciation  of  his  instructions  in  his  system  for 
the  reform  and  elevation  of  horses,  which,  in  our  estimation,  is  incom- 
parably superior  to  any  system  ever  brought  before  the  public.  By  this 
system,  the  management  of  the  horse  is  reduced  to  a  definite  and  exact 
science,  and  we  desire  most  heartily  to  commend  Prof.  Magner  to  the 
confidence  of  the  public,  and  to  express  to  him  personally  our  thanks 
for  his  patience,  his  thoroughness,  and  his  gentlemanly  bearing,  while 
engaged  in  his  profession  in  this  city. 


From  the  Adrian  "Weekly  Times,  April  13,  1871. 

During  the  present  week,  Prof.  Magner,  the  celebrated  horse  tamer 
and  educator,  has  conducted  his  classes  in  this  city.  He  has  created  a 
genuine  furore  among  all  interested  in  horses  in  this  city,  and  his 
reputation  has  extended  to  a  circuit  of  country,  and  persons  have 
attended  his  classes  from  over  twenty  miles  distant.  He  has  succeeded 
in  subduing  and  rendering  perfectly  tractable  some  horses  who  have 
resisted  all  previous  efforts  of  horse-breakers  and  others  to  reduce  them 
to  submission,  and  his  wonderful  power  over  horses  excites  the  most 
astonishment  from  those  best  posted  in  equine  care  and  treatment,  and 
the  exhibitions  of  the  trained  stud  of  horses  which  he  owns  and  carries 
with  him,  are  superior  in  interest  to  the  choicest  features  of  the  best 
circus  traveling.  In  every  place  he  has  been,  the  professor  has  received 
the  most  emphatic  and  cordial  endorsements. 


From  the  Toledo  Blade. 

As  a  practitioner  and  teacher  of  the  science  and  art  of  training 
horses,  the  professor  is  without  a  rival,  and  has  won  the  confidence 
and  admiration  of  the  public  wherever  he  has  been.  No  on^  can 
understand  the  seemingly  magical  power  which  this  man  seems  to  pos- 
sess over  the  horse  kingdom,  until  he  witnesses  one  of  his  exhibitions, 
and  we  are  free  to  say  that  a  knowledge  of  Mr.  Magner's  theory  of 
training  horses  will  be  invaluable  to  eVery  owner  of  the  animal. 
Wherever  he  goes,  his  lectures  should  be  heard  and  his  experiments 
seen.  While  in  Toledo  he  had  for  his  classes  many  of  our  best  citi- 
zens, and  all  feel  not  only  fully  satisfied,  but  endorsed  him,  as  will  be 
seen,  injjie  strongest  manner. 

Happening  into  the  tent  one  day,  we  saw  the  Professor  training  a 
noble,  but  desperately  stubborn  horse,  owned  by  Mr.  R.  Mott.  After 
operating  with  the  animal  but  a  brief  time,  his  very  nature  seemed 


NOTICES    OF   THE    PRESS    AND    PEOPLE.  19 

changed,  and  on  being  driven  by  his  master,  was  kind  and  obedient  as 
the  best  of  horses. 

The  readers  of  the  Blade  can  rely  upon  the  fact  that  the  Professor  is 
an  upright,  honorable  gentleman,  possessing  all  the  wonderful  skill  he 
claims. 


From  the  Toledo  Commercial. 

Monday,  the  last  lesson  of  Prof.  Magner  to  his  class  in  Toledo,  was 
given.  His  success  here  has  been  unprecedented,  and  his  teachings 
unparalleled  in  their  line.  What  the  members  of  the  class  have  learned 
could  not  be  bought  of  them  for  ten  times  the  sum  paid  by  them  for  the 
instruction.  He  goes  to  Adrian,  Michigan,  from  here,  and  we  bespeak 
for  him  there  a  hearty  welcome  and  the  usual  success  attending  his 
efforts.  The  professor  is  a  man  of  his  word,  professing  no  more  than 
he  performs,  and  doing  good  wherever  he  goes.  In  his  teachings  he 
not  only  learns  his  scholars,  but  benefits  the  horses,  by  introducing  a 
more  humane  and  gentle  course  of  treatment,  and  therefore  merits  the 
name  of  benefactor  to  the  brute  race,  or  a  niche  beside  the  renowned 
Bergh.  We  congratulate  the  Adrianites  on  their  acquisition. 


From  the  Cleveland  Leader,  Feb.,  1870. 

After  the  exhibition,  the  regular  lesson  and  illustrations  began  by  a 
lecture  of  about  twenty  minutes  duration,  wherein  the  professor 
explained  the  cause,  symptoms  and  cure  of  many  of  the  diseases  to 
which  the  horse  is  peculiarly  liable,  and  set  forth  the  matter  in  so  clear, 
forcible  and  simple  a  manner  as  to  disarm  any  prejudice  or  want  of 
confidence  in  the  man,  if  any  such  prejudices  had  been  previously 
formed.  But  the  great  sensation  of  the  evening  was  yet  to  come,  for 
which  all  were  anxious,  as  many  present  knew  the  vicious  nature  of  the 
beast  to  be  subdued — in  fact  there  were  one  or  two  present  who  had 
had  good  cause  to  ever  remember  the  great  runaway  and  kicker  known 
as  the  "Malone  Horse."  He  is  a  gray  gelding,  perhaps  sixteen  hands 
high,  of  great  beauty  and  strength,  and  a  will  and  determination  rarely 
found  in  the  purely  American  breed  of  horses.  The  horse  was  brought 
into  the  enclosure,  and  caused  general  comment  by  his  magnificent 
style  and  grace  of  movement.  His  owner  was  present,  and  after  look- 
ing at  the  animal  for  a  few  moments,  and  dreading  to  see  him  pass  into 
other  hands  to  manage,  hesitated  at  the  last  moment  to  give  his  consent 
to  the  application  of  the  system.  Mr.  Magner,  determined  to  have  a 
subject  for  his  class,  asked  the  price  of  the  horse,  which  was  announced 
to  be  $5°°-  "  I'H  take  him,"  said  the  professor,  and  at  once  handed 
over  the  amount.  This  movement  on  the  part  of  Mr.  Magner  was  un- 
expected, as  most  "horsemen"  who  have  visited  us  generally  preferred 
to  "work  up"  other  people's  horses,  rather  than  their  own.  But  Mr. 
Magner  knew  the  value  of  the  animal  before  him,  and  knew  the  value 
of  his  system,  and  was  further  aware  that  $1,000  was  ready  for  the 
horse  the  moment  that  he  could  be  driven  safely  before  a  trotting 
wagon. 


20  NEW    SYSTEM   OF   EDUCATING    HORSES. 

At  this  stage  of  the  proceedings  the  excitement  was  intense,  and 
many  speculations  were  indulged  in  as  to  who  would  prove  the  victor, 
the  man  or  the  horse.  In  less  than  twenty  minutes  from  the  time  that 
Professor  Magner  laid  his  hands  upon  his  subject,  the  horse  was  as  gen- 
tle as  a  lamb,  and  as  easily  controlled  as  the  most  reliable  family  horse. 
Among  other  efforts  to  prove  that  the  gray  gelding  was  completely 
broken,  the  professor,  without  reins  in  hand,  mounted  the  wagon,  and 
catching  the  animal  by  the  tail  drove  him  around  the  ring  at  a  fearful 
pace,  drawing  the  wagon  upon  the  heels  of  the  horse  in  such  a  way  as 
to  strike  them  with  a  force  that  could  be  heard  at  the  farthest  end  of  the 
room.  The  class  was  astonished,  declaring  that  they  had  already 
received  more  than  the  value  in  useful  knowledge  of  the  price  of  their 
admission. 


From  the  Cleveland  Herald  of  Feb.  26,  1870. 

Professor  Magner  last  night  gave  an  exhibition  at  his  hippotheatron, 
which  was  in  every  respect  a  success.  A  success  in  giving  complete 
satisfaction  to  the  large  audience  attracted,  and  in  realizing  a  good  sum 
for  the  Dorcas  Society,  a  benevolent  institution  for  the  benefit  of  which 
the  entertainment  was  given.  This  is  the  second  donation  the  profes- 
sor has  made  to  charitable  institutions  of  our  city.  When  he  leaves  us 
his  visit  will  not  only  be  remembered  on  account  of  the  skillful 
methods  of  training  horses,  which  he  has  imparted  to  a  large  class  of 
students,  but  also  for  deeds  of  charity  done  in  our  midst,  which  will 
make  his  name  ever  associated  with  pleasant  recollections. 

At  the  close  of  the  last  lecture  of  his  course  in  Cleveland,  the 
following  resolution  was  moved  by  Hon.  Silas  Merchant,  (President  of 
City  Council,)  which  was  carried  by  acclamation  of  the  entire  class  : 

Resolved,  That  we,  as  members  of  Prof.  Magner's  class  in  this  city, 
deem  it  but  a  just  recognition  of  his  skill  and  success  in  teaching  us  his 
system  of  educating  horses,  which  we  regard  as  the  best  ever  shown  us; 
and  for  his  gentlemanly  demeanor,  that  we  are  fully  satisfied  with  his 
instructions,  hereby  endorse  him  and  his  system  of  educating  and  treat- 
ing horses,  to  our  friends  and  the  public. 

The  following  well  known  gentlemen  and  citizens  of  Cleveland, 
endorse  Prof.  Magner  and  his  system,  and  can  be  referred  to : 

T.  P.  ROSS,  Proprietor  of  American  House. 

H.  NOTTINGHAM,  Esq. 

W.  W.  CRAWFORD,  51  Euclid  Avenue. 

GEN.  J.  W.  FITCH,  Kennard  House. 

T.  D.  KEEGAN,  Druggist,  3  Euclid  Avenue. 

R.  P.  WATERBURY,  Akron  Stove  Co. 

H.  W.  LUETKEMEYER,  150  Superior  street. 

J.  SCHRIBER,  Tobacconist,  113  Water  street. 

GEO.  E.  ARMSTRONG,  of  Alcott  &  Horton,  Wholesale  Dry  Goods, 

149  Water  street. 
E.  N.  KEYES,  Real  Estate  Agent,  i  Rouse's  Block. 


NOTICES    OF   THE    PRESS    AND    PEOPLE.  21 

SILAS  MERCHANT,  Iron  Founder,  River  street. 

L.  B.  FRENCH,  of  French  &  Keith,  Wholesale  Dry  Goods,  Water  st. 

S.  S.  COE,  Secretary  of  Cleveland  Insurance  Co.,  corner  Water  and 
Superior  streets. 

W.  P.  HORTON,  of  Alcott  &  Horton,  Wholesale  Dry  Goods,  Water  st. 

A.  S.  ROBBINS,  Wholesale  dealer  in  Photographic  Stock,  corner  Su- 
perior and  Seneca  streets. 

GEO.  H.  BURRITT,  Collector  of  Customs,  Custom  House. 

E.  THOMPSON,  Wholesale  Grocer,  Bank  street. 

JAS.  BENNETT,  Livery  and  Boarding  Stable,  Champlain  street. 

W.  D.  GUSHING,  Agt.  Erie  R.  R.,  131  Superior  street. 

WM.  EDWARDS,  Wholesale  Grocer,  Water  street. 

AMOS  TOWNSEND,  Wholesale  Grocer  and  President  of  City  Council, 

City  Hall. 

H.  COLLINS,  Proprietor  of  Weddell  House. 
H.  HURD,  Wholesale  Grocer,  Water  street. 
GEN.  D.  T.  CASEMENT. 
O.  STONE,  Esq.,  Scovill  Avenue. 

F.  W.  BELL,  Wholesale  Lumber  Merchant. 

C.  W.  COE,  Proprietor  of  Cleveland  Mills,  268  Scovill  Avenue. 

T.  ELWOOD,  Livery  Stable,  St.  Clair  street. 

H.  P.  WEDDELL,  Esq. ,  Banker,  Bank  street,  and  500  others. 


Buffalo  Commercial  Advertiser. 

HORSE  THAT  KILLED  ONE  MAN  AND  INJURED  SEVERAL  OTHERS. — 
We  yesterday  afternoon  visited  the  amphitheatre  of  Prof.  Magner,  the 
noted  horse  tamer,  on  Carroll  street.  We  found  there  a  large  number 
of  our  most  prominent  citizens  and  horse  owners,  and  all  manifested  the 
greatest  interest  in  the  doings  of  the  professor.  By  way  of  blending 
amusement  with  instruction,  Prof.  Magner  exhibits  before  his  class  and 
visitors,  his  educated  horses  and  ponies,  who  seem  to  possess  a  degree 
of  intelligence  absolutely  marvelous. 

After  the  exhibition  of  these  animals,  interpersed  with  remarks  of  an 
instructive  character  from  the  professor,  a  horse  belonging  to  the  Omni- 
bus Company — a  most  vicious  brute,  with  a  disagreeable  habit  of  biting, 
and  striking  with  his  fore  feet;  from  which  those  in  charge  have  not 
been  able  to  remove  the  collar  or  bridle  for  over  three  months — was 
brought  for  treatment.  We  understand,  by  the  way,  that  this  horse  (a 
large  and  powerful  bay)  once  killed  a  man,  by  biting  and  trampling 
him  under  foot,  and  recently  bit  the  hand  almost  off  the  person  having 
him  in  charge.  In  twenty  minutes,  in  the  presence  of  between  two  and 
three  hundred  persons,  Prof.  Magner  reduced  this  brute  to  perfect  sub- 
jection, so  that  the  groom  and  himself  harnessed  and  unharnessed  him, 
put  their  hands  in  his  mouth,  and  handled  him  in  every  shape  with 
perfect  impunity,  the  formerly  furious  beast  being  as  docile  as  a  kitten. 
It  was  a  wonderful  exhibition,  as  we  can  bear  testimony. 

We  can  have  no  hesitation  in  recommending  Prof.  Magner  and  his 
mode  of  treatment  to  all  interested  in  horses,  as  one  who  can  and  does 
perform  all  that  he  promises. 


22  NEW   SYSTEM    OF    EDUCATING    HORSES. 

The  above  horse  is  now  gentle,  as  shown  by  the  following  letter : 

BUFFALO,  Dec.  21,  1869. 
PROF.  MAGNER  : 

Dear  Sir: — I  consider  myself  in  duty  bound  to  drop  you  a  few  lines 
respecting  our  once  vicious  horse,  "Man  Eater,"  as  we  called  him.  I 
have  often  said  what  a  good  thing  it  was  we  did  not  shoot  him.  He 
was  taken  out  of  the  stable  twice  for  that  purpose,  when  I,  on  both  oc- 
casions, interceded  in  his  behalf.  He  is  now  one  of  our  best  horses,  as 
docile  as  a  lamb,  and  the  drivers  all  like  him.  We  work  him  double 
and  single,  as  required.  All  this  was  caused  from  your  few  minutes 
tuition.  You  are  aware  of  his  past  history.  For  weeks  previous  to 
making  your  acquaintance  we  could  not  get  a  man  to  harness  him,  and 
two  of  our  drivers  were  disabled  by  him.  When  you  visit  the  city, 
please  give  us  a  call. 

Believe  me,  yours  very  truly, 

M.  FORDE,  Agent, 
Buffalo  Omnibus  Company. 

At  the  close  of  Prof.  Magner's  lesson  on  Thursday  last,  all  present, 
(nearly  fifty,)  among  whom  were  the  following  well  known  gentlemen: 

RICHARD  BULLYMORE,  Esq., 

C.  L.  WHITING,  Esq., 

Z.  BONNEY,  Proprietor  of  Bonney's  Hotel. 

H.  COURTER,  Courier  House, 

W.  C.  SHERWOOD,  Esq., 

E.  UPSON,  Carriage  Manufacturer. 
DR.  GEORGE  S.  EVARTS, 

J.  O.  ROBSON,  Esq., 

it  was  unanimously  resolved,  that  "  we  commend  Prof.  Magner  to  our 
friends  as  a  reformer  of  more  than  ordinary  usefulness;  that  his  theory 
of  governing  and  educating  horses  is  the  most  practical,  humane  and 
valuable  in  its  results  we  have  ever  witnessed ;  can  be  learned  and 
practiced  by  any  one  of  ordinary  intelligence.  He  tamed  a  wild  mare 
in  our  presence  in  ten  minutes,  and,  among  other  feats,  he  made  her 
sit  down  twice  and  lie  down  four  times  in  a  minute  without  touching 
her." 

In  his  class  on  Monday,  August  pth,  comprising  nearly  one  hundred, 
among  whom  were  the  following  well-known  citizens  : 

GEORGE  W.  TIFFT,  Esq., 
JUDGE  MASTEN, 
MAJOR  DICKEY, 
C.  J.  HAM  LIN,  Esq., 

F.  W.TRACY,  Esq., 

It  was  resolved  by  acclamation,  that  "  we  fully  endorse  Prof.  Magner 
and  his  system,  and  believe  every  one  owning  or  interested  in  horses 


NOTICES    OF   THE    PRESS    AND    PEOPLE.  23 

will  find  it  to  their  advantage  to  learn  his  system  of  treatment.  In  our 
presence  he  put  a  halter  on  the  most  vicious  horse  in  the  city  without 
touching  him,  and,  by  its  use  and  that  of  a  whip,  made  the  horse  lie 
down  and  get  up  three  times,  then  stood  off  ten  feet,  and,  with  his 
hands  in  his  pockets,  laid  the  same  horse  down  ten  times  in  a  minute. 
In  less  than  twenty  minutes  from  the  time  he  commenced  his  treatment 
with  his  horse,  he  took  off  and  put  on  repeatedly  the  collar  and  bridle, 
without  exciting  resistance  or  any  indication  of  viciousness  from  the 
horse.  The  same  was  done  by  the  driver,  to  do  which  before  would 
have  been  at  the  hazard  of  his  life. 


PRELIMINARY  HINTS-CONDITIONS  OF 
SUCCESS,  ETC. 


IF  horses  could  be  guided  and  controlled  in  their  educa- 
tion by  the  use  of  a  bit  and  reins,  it  would  not  be  necessary 
to  resort  to  any  other  treatment. 

But  as  this  cannot  be  done  excepting  in  the  training  of 
those  of  the  mildest  and  most  docile  disposition,  it  be- 
comes essential  to  success  to  know  what  to  do  to  insure  the 
perfect  docility  and  obedience  of  any  and  all  horses  of  any 
extremes  of  viciousness,  in  harness  or  riot. 

We  see,  too,  that  horses  of  energy  and  pluck  are  often 
easily  spoiled  by  the  most  trifling  causes  exciting  their  fear 
and  resistance,  and  that  unless  subjected  to  proper  treat- 
ment, they  are  liable  to  become  unpleasant,  dangerous  or 
worthless  thereafter,  for  use. 

Overcoming  all  those  possible  difficulties  with  ease  and 
certainty  implies  a  knowledge  of  those  conditions  and  prin- 
ciples of  education  and  subjection  by  which  the  horse  can 
be  easily  taught  and  guided  into  perfect  docility  and  obedi- 
ence at  will. 

This,  it  is  seen,  by  the  principles  taught,  and  herein 
explained,  can  be  easily  done,  and  it  is  for  the  purpose  of 
directing  special  attention  to  some  of  the  more  important 
conditions  influencing  the  application  of  my  treatment  that 
I  am  induced  to  write  out  such  preliminary  hints,  forming 
this  chapter,  as  my  experience  suggests,  the  careful  perusal 
of  which  I  would  urge. 

The  Horse  by  nature  is  averse  to  the  control  of  man,  and 
as  he  cannot  know  the  various  ways  it  is  intended  he  is  to 
serve  the  wants  of  man,  he  must  be  taught,  and  to  success- 
fully teach  him  implies  making  him  passive  to  control 
without  exposing  him  to  injury  or  abuse,  requiring — 

FIRST,  That  the  nervous  system  is  not  so  disturbed  and 
perverted  by  fear  and  excitement  as  to  rouse  the  fears  and 
vicious  part  of  the  nature  into  controlling  action. 


EXCESSIVE    FEAR   MUST    BE    PREVENTED.  25 

SECOND.  That  there  is  a  clear  understanding  of  such 
principles  of  addressing  the  reason  as  will  convey  to  it 
most  clearly  the  idea  of  what  is  required  to  be  done. 

THIRD.  That  there  is  a  knowledge  of  such  principles  of 
subjection  as  will  enable  guiding  and  controlling  the  ani- 
mal in  such  ways  and  to  such  extremes  as  may  be  desired 
in  his  education. 

In  a  word,  the  superior  strength  of  the  horse  must  be 
fully  and  unconditionally  held  or  made  passive  to  control, 
any  excessiveness  of  the  fears  and  passions  prevented,  while 
the  reason  is  addressed  and  won  to  a  perfect  understand- 
ing of  what  is  required  to  be  done.  Experience  proves 
that  horses  resist  control  to  the  degree  they  learn  it  possible 
to  do  so. 

EXCESSIVE  FEAR  MUST  BE  PREVENTED. 

That  excessive  fear,  even,  of  a  few  moments'  time,  from 
any  cause,  may  so  derange  and  excite  the  mind  as  to  spoil 
and  pervert  the  character  for  life.  That  the  excitement  of 
the  passions  only  stimulates  resistance  and  confuses  the  un- 
derstanding. That  almost  any  horse  can  be  taught  and 
made  to  do  anything  of  which  he  is  capable,  if  properly 
shown  and  treated  kindly  and  patiently.  On  the  contrary, 
if  excited  and  abused,  his  whole  nature  is  stimulated  to 
resistance.  Hence,  if  we  would  not  excite  resistance  or 
excessive  fear,  of  objects  or  other  causes,  we  must  bring 
them  to  notice  in  such  a  manner  as  to  both  prevent  excit- 
ing the  fears  and  convince  the  horse  of  their  harmless 
character  until  fully  reconciled  to  their  presence. 

FOURTH.  The  inability  of  the  horse  to  understand  articu- 
lated language,  implies  the  necessity  of  conveying  to  the 
mind  clearly  the  idea  of  what  is  required  to  be  done. 

FIFTH.  That  the  great  strength  of  the  horse  is  so  neutral- 
ized and  controlled  at  will,  as  to  make  prompt  submission 
to  man  a  necessity. 

Now  while  my  principles  as  I  have  illustrated  and  proved 
will  enable  avoiding  all  those  supposed  great  difficulties  in 
training  and  handling  horses,  and  cause  results  that  in 
many  instances  appear  wonderful,  it  must  be  evident  they 
are,  as  well  as  all  other  principles,  only  rules,  by  the  use  of 
which  certain  results  are  to  be  secured,  and  their  chief 
value  in  practice  must  depend  upon  the  judgment  used  in 


26  FIRST    IMPRESSIONS   ARE    STRONGEST. 

applying  them.  But  if  as  I  have  shown,  and  as  the  ordi- 
nary observation  of  daily  experience  clearly  proves,  fear  is 
excited  and  the  will  aroused  in  securing  obedience,  the 
resistance  of  the  animal  is  stimulated,  the  legitimate 
authority  and  control  of  the  trainer  or  driver  weakened  or 
neutralized,  and  the  necessity  for  force  greatly  increased, 
to  a  degree  very  often  that  wholly  spoils  the  animal. 

FIKST  IMPKESSIONS  ARE  STRONGEST. 

The  first  impressions  made  upon  the  mind  or  nervous 
system  of  the  colt,  are  the  strongest  and  most  lasting.  A 
colt  or  horse  of  even  a  good  disposition,  it  is  seen,  may  be 
made  a  reckless,  foolish,  kicking  maniac,  by  being  greatly 
frightened,  from  some  cause  in  itself,  perhaps  trifling,  but 
forced  to  notice  in  such  a  way  as  to  excite  and  derange  the 
nervous  system.  And  when  it  is  seen  that  even  the  life  of 
a  sensitive  horse  may  be  destroyed  by  being  greatly  fright- 
ened, we  can  see  to  what  a  degree  the  nervous  system  can 
be  deranged  at  times  by  causes  which,  if  the  animal  were 
subjected  to  the  precautionary  treatment  shown,  would 
excite  no  fear,  and  hence  no  resistance,  thereby  preventing 
as  well  as  overcoming  easily,  what  would  appear  to  be  an 
almost  insurmountable  difficulty. 

Equine  nature  is  so  constituted  that  it  will  submit  pas- 
sively to  conditions  of  resistance  or  restraint,  it  cannot  suc- 
cessfully resist  or  overcome,  or  by  producing  such  impres- 
sions upon  the  mind  as  will  prevent  an  inclination  to  resist. 

This  is  the  law  of  natural  government  or  supremacy  to 
which  all  the  lower  animals  yield,  the  smaller  and  weaker 
submitting  to  the  stronger,  and  indeed,  this  is  the  funda- 
mental basis  of  successful  human  government.  Hence,  the 
resorts  of  military  power  or  studied  scientific  application  of 
destructive  force  as  shown  in  war  and  its  penalties,  and 
hence  the  effort  to  attain  a  knowledge  of  more  destructive 
'means  to  repel  or  overcome  resistance. 

HORSES  SHOULD  BE  EDUCATED— NOT  BROKEN. 

But  we  see,  as  in  the  successful  education  of  the  horse, 
this  principle  must  be  so  modified,  that  he  will  not  be  inju- 
red or  abused,  not  even  excited  to  any  extreme,  as  this 


HORSES    SHOULD    BE    EDUCATED — NOT    BROKEN.  27 

would  neutralize  and  destroy  the  very  object  of  our  efforts 
to  make  a  strong,  gentle,  submissive  servant  to  our  wants, 
which  is  our  real  object  to  attain. 

But  the  common  plan  of  doing  this  by  attempting  to  hold 
and  force  a  horse  in  harness,  and  whipping  if  there  is  re- 
sistance, is  from  the  nature  of  things,  inadequate,  defective 
and  cruel,  since  there  is  not  necessary  physical  power  to  do 
this  with  any  degree  of  certainty,  and  the  aggravation  of 
the  whip,  in  conjunction  with  the  natural  fear  of  the 
animal,  stimulates  resistance,  and  thus  without  adequate 
precaution  or  power,  the  difficulty  to  be  overcome  is  so 
greatly  increased  as  to  cause  failure  and  trouble,  the  cause 
of  which  is  usually  attributed  to  a  bad  disposition.  But  if 
the  animal  is  first  made  passive  to  restraint  by  proper  treat- 
ment, control  becomes  simple  and  easy,  since  the  mind  can 
now  be  easily  won  and  guided  without  fear  or  resistance 
into  such  habits  as  may  be  desired  without  exciting  resist- 
ance or  subjecting  the  animal  to  injury. 

Now  this  is  exactly  what  my  system  enables  doing,  de- 
veloping to  a  practical  basis  those  principles  of  necessary 
power,  while  there  is  a  clear  understanding  of  what  is  re- 
quired to  be  done  impressed  upon  the  mind,  which  is  at  the 
same  time  aided  and  encouraged  by  the  most  powerful 
appeals  to  the  better  part  of  the  nature,  until  prompt  will- 
ing obedience  is  secured  and  fully  established.  This  has 
been  the  object  of  SCHRISTIAN,  OFFUTT,  RAREY,  and  others, 
to  accomplish,  but  in  vain,  as  shown  by  the  simple  method 
of  throwing  shown  by  all  those  including  Rarey,  by  redu- 
cing vitality,  as  shown  by  South  Americans,  the  Indians  on 
our  western  plains,  and  the  Chilians.  Of  course,  very 
remarkable  and  satisfactory  results  were  and  can  be  often 
shown  by  these  methods  of  subjection,  but  from  necessity, 
coming  far  short  of  those  essential  points  aimed  at,  and  so 
necessary  to  that  perfect  success,  which  we  are  able  to  do 
by  my  treatment,  which  enable  results  in  many  cases  in 
less  than  an  hour,  entirely  impossible  to  accomplish  by  such 
or  any  other  treatment  heretofore  in  use. 

SUBJECTION— OLD   METHODS  OF. 

The  rudest  and  most  injurious  methods  of  subduing  hor- 
ses are  those  which  tend  directly  to  lower  the  strength  or 


28  SUBJECTION — OLD   METHODS   OF. 

destroy  life.  Hence  the  different  methods  of  taming  or 
breaking  horses  in  general  use  from  time  immemorial.  The 
first  account  we  have  of  any  horse  being  subdued  was  that 
of  Bucephalus,  in  the  time  of  Alexander  the  Great,  about 
300  years  before  Christ.  A  subject,  we  are  told,  presented 
this  horse  to  the  Emperor  as  a  gift,  but  he  (the  horse)  show- 
ing a  very  vicious  disposition,  Alexander  ordered  him  to  be 
taken  away,  when  young  Alexander  stated  what  a  pity  to 
lose  so  fine  an  animal  for  the  want  of  a  little  address, 
adroitly  mounted  him  and  rode  him  off  at  the  top  of  his 
speed.  The  greatest  alarm  was  manifested  for  the  safety  of 
the  Prince,  and  the  joy  of  all  was  great  when  he  returned, 
the  horse  perfectly  gentle,  and  he  safe.  This  horse  became 
famous  for  his  wonderful  sagacity.  We  are  told  that  when 
he  died  he  was  buried  with  honors,  and  a  city  was  given 
his  name.  The  same  principle  of  subjection,  with  slight 
variations,  is  still  practiced  on  the  pampas  of  South  Amer- 
ica, and  on  our  western  plains.  They  catch  the  horse  with 
a  lasso,  throw  him  to  the  ground,  saddle  and  bridle  him, 
and  ride  him  with  whip  and  spur,  until  completely  ex- 
hausted and  perfectly  submissive.  South  Americans  square 
off  the  ends  of  the  hair  of  the  tail,  after  the  horse  submits, 
to  indicate  that  he  is  broken  and  again  turn  him  loose. 
The  same  principle  is  in  use  among  the  Indians  on  our 
western  plains,  and  with  equal  success.  The  Chilians  tie  a 
refractory  horse  in  the  stable  and  whip  him  until  he  lies 
down  or  falls  down,  usually  requiring  about  forty-eight 
hours.  He  is  then  tried,  and  if  refractory  the  process  is 
continued  until  he  becomes  gentle. 

Bleeding,  physicking,  want  of  sleep,  starving,  want  of 
water,  intense  pain,  choking,  &c.,  &c.,  will  enable  this 
end;  but,  as  will  be  seen,  this  treatment  is  not  only  dan- 
gerous but  injurious,  often  breaking  down  the  animal  to 
such  a  degree  as  to  become  comparatively  worthless,  or 
made  so  treacherous  as  to  require  being  broken  over  again 
almost  every  time  used.  There  is  a  belief  among  many, 
even  of  intelligence,  that  a  certain  peculiar  something  in 
the  way  of  medicine,  will  make  a  horse  gentle,  following  a 
man  anywhere.  Catlin,  an  Indian  traveler,  states  with 
gravity,  in  his  account  of  Indian  customs,  &c.,  that  after 
an  Indian  breathes  into  the  nostrils  of  a  horse,  he  becomes 
his  slave,  following  him  like  a  dog,  &c.  I  have  handled 


KINDNESS — ITS    IMPORTANCE.  29 

all  sorts  of  horses,  and  have  shown  results  in  the  way  of 
successful  control  of  mustangs,  mules  and  vicious  horses, 
which  I  defy  the  ability  in  any  one  to  produce  by  any  such 
treatment.  My  experience  tells  me  that  breathing  into 
the  nostrils  or  giving  any  medicine  of  which  we  have  any 
knowledge,  will  fail  to  make  the  mind  of  a  wild  or  vicious 
horse  passive  to  control,  to  any  marked  degree.  The  oslets 
which  grow  upon  the  inside  of  horses'  legs,  ground  and 
blown  into  the  nostrils  in  connection  with  oil  of  Cumin, 
Rhodium,  Anise,  either  or  all,  constitute  this  great  secret ; 
but  as  good  an  effect  can  be  produced  by  giving  apples, 
sugar  and  salt  in  equal  proportions,  oats,  or  in  fact  anything 
of  which  the  horse  is  fond.  This  is  however  only  in  part 
an  illustration  of  the  value  of  some  of  our  most  essential 
treatment  in  the  successful  management  of  certain  peculiari- 
ties of  disposition. 

KINDNESS— ITS  IMPORTANCE. 

I  will  call  more  special  attention  in  another  part  of  this 
chapter,  to  the  importance  of  kindness  as  an  essential  to 
true  success  in  making  horses  of  a  natuially  wild  and  ner- 
vous disposition  safe  and  gentle.  We  see  that  a  horse  of  a 
sensitive,  plucky  nature,  may  be  excited  and  roused  into 
the  most  determined  resistance  or  viciousness  by  a  little 
exciting  abusive  treatment.  That  the  more  the  bad  part  of 
the  nature  is  excited,  the  more  determined  and  reckless  the 
resistance.  Excitement  heats  the  blood,  blunts  the  under- 
standing and  stimulates  the  passions,  and  as  a  consequence, 
increased  nervousness  and  resistance  is  the  result. 

Under  such  circumstances  a  horse  will  go  beyond  his 
natural  strength  in  resistance.  Hence,  the  mustang,  or 
other  horse,  broken  by  exciting,  exhausting  force,  such  as 
running,  extreme  whipping,  &c.,  is  not  only  liable  to  be 
seriously  injured  constitutionally,  but  soured  in  temper. 
Good  illustrations  of  this  are  shown  in  high  strung  mares 
and  horses,  which  may  be  whipped  severely  for  kicking. 
Though  perhaps  weak  and  broken  down  from  abuse,  they 
will  squeal  and  kick  with  the  true  recklessness  of  malignant 
hate.  The  very  expression  of  the  eyes  shows  kick.  So  with 
the  balker ;  the  whole  nature  is  intensified  in  rebellion. 
But  how  different  if  the  better  part  of  the  nature  is  won  by 


30         PECULIARITIES    AND    EXTREMES    OF    DISPOSITION. 

kindness.  The  expression  is  softened,  there  is  a  natural 
willingness  excited  to  do  whatever  is  properly  and  carefully 
shown ;  but  if  in  addition  to  this  the  mind  can  be  held  and 
controlled  at  will,  thus  lessening  the  confidence  and  pow- 
ers of  resistance,  obedience  can  be  secured  and  won  with  a 
quickness  and  ease  that  is  surprising. 

This  is  the  true  principle,  as  I  have  shown,  as  it  enables 
addressing  and  winning  the  full  cooperation  of  the  under- 
standing and  better  nature,  without  exciting  resistance,  or 
to  so  limited  a  degree  as  to  be  easily  overcome,  and  really 
implies  teaching  the  horse  in  a  reasonable  practicable  man- 
ner in  accordance  with  the  laws  of  his  nature. 

PECULIARITIES  AND  EXTREMES  OF  DISPOSITION. 

The  extremes  of  intelligence,  temper,  size  and  texture  of 
body  demands  attention,  when  attempting  to  train  or  sub- 
due a  horse.  And  here  this  apparently  threadbare  subject 
reveals  an  apparently  new  and  most  interesting  field  for  the 
careful  student. 

We  are  told  in  Genesis,  that  after  all  the  lower  animals 
were  created  they  were  brought  before  Adam  to  receive  their 
names;  and  whatsoever  he  called  any  animal,  whether  beast, 
bird,  fish  or  reptile,  that  was  the  name  thereof.  In  a  word, 
all  representing  the  different  stratas  or  modifications  and 
extremes  of  his  own  higher  or  lower  nature.  Hence,  in 
understanding  his  own  nature,  he  could  readily  comprehend 
that  of  theirs.  There  are  not  only  classes  but  modifications 
in  each  family,  each  representing  some  type  or  modification 
of  others  becoming  clearer  to  the  observation  in  the  do- 
mestic animals.  For  though  each  family,  in  a  general 
sense,  preserves  its  own  peculiarity  of  identity  in  size,  color, 
disposition,  &c.,  yet  no  two  of  any  family  are  exactly  alike, 
each  showing  some  peculiar  phase  of  distinction.  Hence, 
one  ox,  cow,  dog,  or  other  animal,  is  seen  to  be  more 
vicious,  wild,  or  difficult  to  manage  than  others  of  the 
same  family,  and  vice  versa.  The  horse  shows  these  peculi- 
arities of  extreme  sometimes  to  a  most  marked  degree. 
Hence  we  see  there  are  horses  so  docile,  fearless  and  man- 
ageable that  they  can  hardly  be  made  to  do  anything  mean, 
submitting  to  being  handled  or  driven  in  harness  from  the 
start  without  trouble,  while  others  are  so  flighty,  foolish  or 


PECULIARITIES    AND    EXTREMES    OF   DISPOSITION.          31 

vicious  as  to  be  scarcely  manageable  by  the  most  skillful 
prudence  and  effort. 

Now  if  you  will  look  closely,  for  example,  at  the  head 
and  eyes  of  any  horse  showing  a  marked  trait,  you  will 
find,  confining  your  observation  to  even  the  eye  alone,  a 
corresponding  peculiarity  of  it  to  that  of  the  animal  the 
horse  most  similates  in  character  or  disposition.  To  illus- 
trate —  a  large  brown  eye 
rather  flat  set  well  out  in 
the  head,  eyelids  thin,  ex- 
pression mild,  but  sensitive, 
which  is  peculiar  only  to 
the  naturally  gentle  horse, 
you  have  the  counterpart  of 
the  sheep  or  gazelle,  the 
most  innocent  and  gentle 
of  all  the  domestic  animals. 
The  same  is  noticeable  in 
the  dog  of  mild,  gentle 
character,  as  well  as  other 
animals.  A  small,  round, 
clear  eye,  set  well  into  the 
head,  or  eyelids  heavy,  ex- 

Naturally  Intelligent  and  Gentle.        pression     Stolid     Or    learish, 

you  have  indicated  a  sulky, 

unreliable,  mulish  or  bull-dog  disposition.  Notice  the 
head  of  such.  You  will  usually  find  it  rather  narrow 
between  the  eyes,  long  from  eyes  to  ears,  ears  inclining 
to  lop  back,  head  rather  low  between  the  ears,  and  nose 
rounding.  Rouse  this  temper  and  the  sulky  unrelent- 
ing pluck  of  the  bull-dog,  hog  or  bear  is  shown,  which  they 
most  similate  in  form  and  expression.  The  first,  though 
greatly  excited,  remains  plastic,  yielding  readily  to  control, 
hardly  resisting  the  most  severe  abuse  by  attempting  to  do 
more  than  try  to  get  away.  Whereas  the  second  becomes 
so  stubborn,  as  the  blood  becomes  warmed,  as  to  stand  sto- 
lidly in  defiance  of  the  most  severe  whipping,  or  plunges 
madly  forward,  regardless  of  consequences.  As  kickers  or 
balkers  they  will  contest  every  point  stubbornly  if  warmed 
up  and  excited,  though  submitting  readily  to  restraint  if  the 
blood  is  permitted  to  become  cool,  and  the  better  part  of 
the  nature  is  appealed  to. 


32         PECULIARITIES   AND    EXTREMES    OF    DISPOSITION. 

When    the    eye   is 

large,  even,  full,  but 

clear  or  dark  in  color, 

restless  and  sensitive 

in    action,    a    flighty 

unreliable     character 

will  be  exhibited — Is 

a  free  driver  if  a  bright 

bay  or  sorrel,  liable  to 

pull  hard  on  the  bit 

as  the  blood  becomes 

warmed    by   exercise 

and  excitement. 
If  the  eye  is  good, 

round  and  clear,  scin- 
tillating as  if  it  were  " Dull  and  Treacherous. 

fire,  the  eyelids  drawn 

down,  or  the  eyes  partly  closed,  a  kind  of  listless  expression 

of  the  head,  you  have  the  unusual  but  possible  temper  of 

the  tiger  or  feline  character,  the  temper  of  which  if  you 

rouse  and  excite, 
above  all  others,  will 
be  the  one  which 
will  almost  set  at 
defiance  your  most 
persevering  efforts. 
You  can  throw  him 
a  hundred  times,  he 
will  lie  down  easily 
but  jump  up  prompt- 
ly; he  will  barely 
yield  to  the  next 
principle  of  subjec- 
tion, which  is  by  far 
the  most  simple  and 
Sensitive  and  Flighty.  powerful,  but  in  de- 

fiance of  all  you  can 

do,  when   a   little   rested,   he   will   perhaps    kick   or   run 

away  as  recklessly  and  determined  as  ever,  all  the  whipping 

and  pounding  your  temper,  if  aroused,  may  cause  you  to 

inflict  will  do  no  good,  and  only  make  the  matter  worse. 
I  would  here  say  that  as  soon  as  you  discover  this  dispo- 


PECULIARITIES    AND    EXTREMES    OF    DISPOSITION.          33 

sition,  stop  exciting  coercive  treatment,  subject  at  once  to 
passive  treatment.  As  soon  as  there  is  submission,  work 
slowly  and  quietly,  and  the  difficulty  you  were  by  the  pre- 
vious treatment  only  intensifying,  you  will  soon  find  to 
disappear,  and  the  animal  become  perfectly  gentle,  but 
must  not  be  whipped.  [See  cuts  of  illustrating  natural 
extremes  of  disposition.] 

NOTE. — I  have  had  many  illustrations  of  the  wonderful  resistance 
that  may  be  excited  in  horses  of  this  disposition  by  treatment  that  will 
heat  the  blood  and  rouse  the  temper,  and  showing  the  value  of  treatment 
that  is  wholly  passive  in  their  management.  A  few  of  the  most  marked 
cases  I  will  refer  to  in  this  connection :  An  eight-year-old  bay  pony,  by  bad 
treatment  made  to  kick,  resisted  all  efforts  to  break,  and  was  an  incor- 
rigible reckless  kicker ;  was  entirely  passive,  but  if  touched  around  the 
flanks  or  hind  parts,  would  squeal  and  kick  most  desperately.  As  a 
means  of  illustration,  subjected  to  first  and  second  methods  of  subjec- 
tion. Quickly  throwing  would  do  no  good,  and  as  predicted,  only 
roused  resistance.  She  yielded  readily  to  the  second  method,  submit- 
ting to  being  touched  around  with  a  pole  in  any  manner,  and  I  pro- 
ceeded at  once  to  carry  out  control  by  restraint  upon  the  mouth,  and 
drove  her  successfully,  preventing  her  kicking.  But  as  soon  as  she  got 
over  the  surprise  and  effect  of  this  treatment,  she  resented  all  effort  to 
control  her,  kicking  in  the  most  desperate  manner.  I  knew  that  while 
irritated  and  excited  she  would  resist  all  effort  to  subdue,  and  bought 
her  to  make  a  satisfactory  experiment.  I  subjected  her  the  next  day, 
privately,  to  the  same  treatment  in  the  most  careful  and  thorough  man- 
ner, but  all  to  no  purpose.  She  proved  incorrigible,  the  most  despe- 
rate animal  I  ever  saw. 

I  worked  this  mare  with  great  care  and  thoroughness,  as  a  matter  of 
trial,  but  all  to  no  purpose.  Never  before  did  I  see  such  reckless  de- 
termined resistance.  I  carried  coercive  treatment  to  its  utmost  limit, 
and  for  the  first  time  in  all  my  experience,  found  a  horse  that  by  sheer 
pluck  would  resist  it;  yet  yielded  readily  to  the  milder  and  more  flat- 
tering course,  which  though  working  slow,  made  a  radical  reformation. 
The  whole  aspect  of  her  nature  became  changed  as  the  blood  became 
cool,  and  ulitmately  proved  one  of  the  most  docile,  manageable  ponies 
in  the  country. 

SECOND  CASE. — A  four-year-old  colt,  a  natural  kicker ;  would  kick 
any  body  or  any  thing.  Had  resisted  all  efforts  to  break  her,  and  was 
worthless ;  was  brought  twenty  miles  for  me  to  handle ;  would  kick 
and  balk,  and  was  one  of  the  worst  I  ever  saw  —  an  interesting  case. — 
She  resisted  the  usual  regular  treatment,  resisting  all  effort,  compelling 
finally,  a  resort  to  the  slower  and  less  exciting  course,  and  as  she  be- 
came cool  grew  out  of  all  resistance,  becoming  a  safe  and  gentle  mare. 

Both  of  these  cases  resisted  so  determinedly  in  illustrating  my  regu- 
lar treatment,  that  I  purchased  them  to  enable  me  to  handle  them  in 
private,  with  the  results  above  stated.  Have  had  many  cases  of  this 
temperament  that  were  regarded  as  invincible,  having  resisted  all 
2* 


34         PECULIARITIES    AND    EXTREMES    OF    DISPOSITION. 

The  milder  and  more  sensitive,  the  less  abuse  and  excite- 
ment will  be  borne.  The  more  stubborn  and  combative 
nature,  the  more  force,  and  even  abuse  will  be  borne,  but 
mingled  with  the  wild  character,  force  that  will  heat  the 
blood,  will  excite  resistance.  Hence,  a  mild,  sensitive  dog 
or  horse  can  be  managed  best  by  gentle  flattering  treat- 
ment. The  bull  dog,  mule  or  stubborn  cart  horse  will  take 
the  whip  and  care  bnt  little  about  it.  But  a  little  excite- 
ment and  punishment  would  only  rouse  to  aggression  the 
bear  or  hog,  and  animals  showing  the  intense  courage  and 
pluck  common  to  the  more  untamable  nature  will  resist  all 
but  the  most  intense  means  of  pain.  Hence  we  see  that 
gentleness  and  kindness  is  the  course,  and  the  only  course 
advisable  with  the  horse,  dog,  or  other  sensitive  animal. 
Those  of  a  more  positive  disposition  call  for  both  force  and 
encouragement,  while  the  lion,  tiger,  elephant,  &c.,  must 
be  made  to  feel  the  most  intense  means  of  pain.  Hence, 
those  of  the  wild  class,  such  as  tigers,  &c.,  are  subdued  by 
burning  and  pounding  with  red  hot  rods.  The  elephant  is 
subjected  by  having  spears  stuck  into  his  body,  and  hooks 
stuck  into  the  ears,  &c.  But  it  is  seen  the  effect  of  care- 
fully encouraging  or  kindly  treating  is,  with  rare  exceptions, 
very  marked,  and  is  only  to  be  superseded  when  force  be- 
comes necessary. 

As  a  rule,  the  larger  and  finer  the  brain  is  in  texture,  the 
more  docility  and  intelligence  will  be  exhibited;  and  the 
smaller  the  brain  the  less  the  intelligence,  and  the  more 
determined  the  resistance  to  control.  In  proportion  as 
there  is  predominance  of  the  lower  and  more  savage  charac- 
teristics of  animal  nature,  there  is  more  natural  resistance 
and  difficulty  to  subdue,  but  proportionately  more  vitality 
and  powers  of  endurance  may  be  anticipated.  To  the  de- 
gree that  the  animal  intelligence  and  sensibility  are  in 
excess  of  the  coarse  and  stubborn  traits,  there  will  be  propor- 
tionately more  tractableness  and  docility,  though,  perhaps, 
the  hardiness  and  vitality  may  be  somewhat  less.  The  sheep 
and  llama,  for  example,  having  but  little  of  this  coarse, 
combative  nature,  will  not  bear  abuse.  We  are  told  the 

others,  but  in  every  instance  have  succeeded  by  the  usual  course  of 
disconcerting  or  passive  treatment.  All  these  bad  cases  require  the 
most  gentle  and  encouraging  after  treatment,  to  fully  wear  out  of  the 
mind  all  impulse  of  resentment  and  enmity  previously  excited. 


IMPORTANCE  OF  PREVENTING  FEAR.          35 

llama,  if  overloaded,  will  lie  down  discouraged  and  die,  not 
resenting  the  cruelty  in  the  least.  The  camel,  of  a  less 
sensitive  nature,  will  toil  patiently  under  the  heaviest  bur- 
then, submitting  meekly  to  almost  any  extreme  of  abuse ; 
while  the  ass,  mule  and  mustang,  having  a  larger  share  of 
the  combative  disposition,  are  more  obstinate  and  willful, 
and  are  usually  more  difficult  to  subdue  and  manage,  and 
always  call  for  more  force  in  their  subjection  than  is  called 
for  in  the  control  of  those  of  a  mild,  sensitive  disposition. 
More  vitality  and  endurance  may,  however,  be  always  an- 
ticipated in  proportion  to  the  predominance  of  the  wild, 
combative  disposition.  They  are  the  horses,  above  all 
others,  that  call  for  great  skill  in  their  early  training  espe- 
cially, and  any  imprudence  or  abuse  by  which  the  fears  and 
passions  are  much  excited,  is  almost  sure  to  excite  a  pro- 
portionate degree  of  resistance  and  trouble. 

IMPORTANCE  OF  PREVENTING  FEAR  AND 
RESISTANCE. 

One  of  the  essentials  of  true  success  is  that  of  vigilance 
in  guarding  against  accidents  or  preventing  resistance.  A 
little  carelessness  or  imprudence  under  favorable  circum- 
stances is  liable  to  precipitate  a  degree  of  resistance,  or  a 
calamity  it  is  often  difficult  if  not  impossible  to  prevent  or 
overcome  after  being  excited.  The  dropping  of  a  lighted 
match  carelessly  in  a  heap  of  shavings,  led  to  the  burning 
of  the  city  of  Portland,  a  few  years  ago.  The  burning  of 
a  little  straw  in  a  cow  stable,  caused,  it  is  supposed,  by  the 
upsetting  of  a  lamp,  led  to  the  burning  of  Chicago.  Nearly 
every  great  and  lamentable  accident  involving  great  destruc- 
tion of  property  and  loss  of  life,  is  usually  traceable  to 
some  minor  defect  or  carelessness. 

That  delicacy  of  judgment  which  detects  danger  and 
takes  measures  to  prevent  accident,  gives  a  great  advantage 
in  attaining  success,  but  when  this  is  combined  with  skill 
which  enables  overcoming  the  difficulty  easily  and  effect- 
ually, the  most  perfect  success  must  result  with  anything 
like  ordinary  effort. 


36  HORSES    SHOULD    BE    PROVED    BEFORE    USING. 

HOUSES  SHOULD  BE  PBOVED  BEFORE  USING 

Hence,  if  a  colt  is  wild  or  vicious,  or  learned  to  run 
away  and  kick,  making  control  hazardous  and  doubtful,  it 
is  essential  to  true  success  to  subject  him  to  such  necessary 
treatment  as  will  assure  of  his  perfect  docility  and  safety  in 
handling  or  driving  under  the  most  exciting  and  dangerous 
circumstances,  as  it  is  then  that  perfect  docility  becomes 
most  valuable,  and  is  as  much  a  true  necessity  in  guarding 
against  accident,  as  the  making  of  steam  boilers  so  strong 
and  testing  them  by  such  increased  pressure  as  will  insure 
against  the  possibility  of  exploding  under  the  pressure  ne- 
cessary in  use.  It  is  no  excuse  to  claim  that  the  horse  got 
suddenly  frightened,  kicked,  and  ran  away,  making  control 
impossible.  Such  a  possibility  should  be  guarded  against 
by  subjecting  the  horse  to  treatment  which  will  both  pre- 
vent and  overcome  such  a  possibility,  which  can  be  easily 
done  by  the  ordinary  course  of  subjection.  Hence,  when 
a  horse  is  impulsive  and  dangerous,  liable  to  kick  or  run 
away,  or  is  at  all  doubtful,  he  should  not  be  driven  until 
subjected  to  this  necessary  precautionary  treatment,  and  is 
not  to  be  hazarded  until  made  thus  safe.  There  is  no  more 
necessity  or  sense  in  hazarding  an  accident  by  the  use  of 
horses  that  are  so  unsafe  that  they  will  not  submit  to  the 
most  ordinary  causes  of  excitement,  such,  for  example,  as 
being  touched  by  the  wagon  or  cross-piece  of  shafts,  fear  of 
top  umbrella,  refusing  to  be  obedient  to  the  most  ordinary 
restraint  and  guidance  of  the  bit  when  pulled  upon,  no 
matter  how  excited,  than  there  is  in  hazarding  a  boiler 
known  to  be  so  weak  as  to  give  way  under  any  greater  pres- 
sure than  is  barely  necessary  for  ordinary  use. 

But  in  tracing  back  causes  of  unusual  derangement,  we 
should  look  back,  too,  to  those  of  a  constitutional  charac- 
ter, inherited  from  the  sire  or  sires  by  causes  which  excite 
or  derange  the  mind  or  nervous  system,  as  the  condition 
of  the  mind  at  the  time  the  sires  were  brought  together, 
must  largely  influence  in  forming  the  character  of  .the  colt. 
Hence  the  stallion,  though  of  a  gentle  character,  if  excited 
and  maddened  at  the  time  of  so  using,  will  almost  with 
certainty  cause  the  colt  to  be  naturally  vicious.  So  in  rela- 
tion to  the  mare;  if  subjected  to  exciting,  abusive  treatment, 
the  disposition  of  the  colt  must  be  affected  by  it.  Many 


REMARKABLE    ADAPTATION    OF    HORSES.  37 

interesting  statements  of  facts,  proving  the  truth  of  these 
assertions,  have  been  made  to  me  by  farmers  and  breeders 
at  different  times,  after  attending  my  lectures,  to  such 
causes  of  possible  derangement,  and  which  it  is  essential  to 
guard  against. 

REMARKABLE  ADAPTATION  OF  HORSES  FOR 
DIFFERENT  USES. 

Marked  extremes  and  modifications  of  size,  disposition 
and  character,  show  fixed  laws  of  adaptation.  We  see  this 
is  not  only  true  in  the  adaptation  of  different  classes  of 
domestic  animals  for  special  uses,  but  even  in  those  of  the 
same  family.  Thus 

THE    ESQUIMAUX 

have  not  only  a  dog,  but  a  dog  of  peculiar  nature,  exactly 
adapted  to  their  wants.  No  other  domestic  animal  could 
endure  the  intense  cold  of  that  region,  or  could  live  so  far 
North  with  man,  and  this  dog  must  and  does  perform  the 
different  duties  of  guard,  assistant,  hunter,  fisherman,  etc., 
and,  in  extremity,  supplies,  both  by  his  body  and  his  skin, 
both  food  and  raiment  for  his  master. 

THE    LAPLANDERS 

have  the  reindeer,  which  is  also  singularly  adapted  to  their 
wants,  the  most  reliable  and  only  beast  of  burthen  capable 
of  enduring  the  rigors  of  so  cold  a  latitude,  supplying  them 
with  milk,  butter  and  cheese,  their  flesh  making  the  best  of 
food,  and  their  skin  the  best  of  clothing. 

THE    PERUVIANS 

have  the  llama,  or  alpaca,  which  is  accustomed  to  climb  the 
mountains,  carries  heavy  burthens  jover  the  Andes,  and  fur- 
nishes them  with  milk  for  their  children,  wool  for  clothing, 
but  best  of  all,  meat  for  food.  The 

INHABITANTS    OF   THE   DESERT 

have  the  camel,  or  dromedary,  for  crossing  the  arid,  sandy 
plains,  carrying  heavy  burthens,  and  bearing  within  them- 
selves a  supply  of  water  to  last  them  for  a  week.  They 
have  also  the  horse,  lithe,  active  and  enduring,  capable  of 
traveling  with  great  fleetness  for  days,  on  the  most  scanty 
fare. 


38  NATURAL   ADAPTATION    REGARDED. 

NATURAL  ADAPTATION  REGARDED. 

This  remarkable  adaptation  to  climate  and  condition, 
as  seen  not  only  in  the  animals  named,  to  the  wants  of  the 
people  among  whom  we  find  them,  is  also  wonderfully 
exemplified  in  the  horse,  showing  great  size,  weight  and 
strength,  mild,  docile  and  patient  disposition,  exactly 
adapted  for  the  slow,  slavish  drudgery  of  the  plow  or  cart. 
His  anatomical  structure  and  coarse,  heavy  muscle  show 
him  to  be  fitted  for  and  adapted  only  for  strong  but  slow 
action.  The  fiery,  quick,  active  horse,  on  the  contrary,  has 
not  only  a  form  adapted  for  speed  and  great  endurance ;  he 
has  a  more  oblique  and  thinner  shoulder,  longer  arm  and 
hip,  and  more  lung  power.  His  whole  structure  is  of  a 
finer,  lighter  and  stronger  character.  He  does  not  put  on 
fat  easily,  and  is  more  sensitive,  intelligent  and  active,  simu- 
lating the  grey-hound  in  appearance  and  action,  compared 
to  the  heavy,  slow  Newfoundland  dog  of  an  entirely  con- 
trary conformation.  From  these  extremes  there  is  an  endless 
variety  of  modifications,  showing  not  only  marked  traces 
of  distinction  of  family,  for  strength,  activity,  endurance 
and  action,  but  in  disposition,. ranging  from  the  smallest 
Shetlander  to  the  large  Norman  or  Flemish  horses,  in  size, 
intelligence,  temper  and  density  of  texture  from  that  of 
the  quick,  fiery  barb,  to  the  slow,  dull,  sluggish  cart  horse. 
Hence  the  necessity  of  selecting  the  larger,  slower  and  more 
patient  character  for  slow,  heavy,  slavish  work,  and  the 
light,  active,  hardy,  enduring  character  for  great  fleetness 
and  endurance,  as,  for  example,  shown  in  the  use  of  light, 
hardy,  lithe,  active  horses  used  on  the  desert  or  plains  of 
our  own  country,  for  speed  and  endurance,  and  the  large, 
slow,  Norman  or  Flemish  horse  for  slow,  heavy  work.  In 
a  word,  anything  of  an  ordinary  discrimination  should 
designate  the  necessity  of  selecting  horses  for  the  work  they 
are  by  nature  best  adapted.  Want  of  regard  to  this  law  is 
the  cause  of  not  only  much  annoyance,  but  of  great  loss  to 
farmers  and  others. 

This  is  not  only  true  in  the  selection  and  use  of  light- 
boned,  sensitive,  delicate  constitutioned  horses  for  slow, 
heavy  work,  or  subjecting  high-strung,  nervous-tempered 
ones  for  such  a  purpose,  when  slower,  stronger  and  more 
patient  animals  should  be  used.  So,  in  relation  to  using 


NOT    BEING    AFRAID    OF   HORSES.  39 

slow,  heavy  horses  for  fast  driving  or  riding,  and  so,  also, 
the  greatest  and  most  unpardonable  want  of  judgment  and 
prudence  is  shown  by  gentlemen  in  the  selection  of  horses 
of  the  most  unreliable  character,  for  a  purpose  requiring  the 
greatest  docility  and  perfection  of  character. 

The  most  lamentable  and  common  causes  of  accident  and 
loss,  result  from  the  want  of  exercising  proper  descrimina- 
tion  and  judgment  in  the  selection  of  horses  more  especially 
adapted  by  nature  for  their  use. 

Thus,  if  a  horse  is  not  or  cannot  be  made  perfectly  reli- 
able for  carriage  or  family  use,  or  for  any  purpose  involving 
much  danger  to  life  and  property,  he  should  be  discarded 
or  changed  for  one  that  is  safe  and  reliable.  But  as  these 
naturally  excitable,  hardy,  plucky  horses  are  really  the  best 
and  most  valuable  horses  when  properly  educated,  the  great 
value  of  my  treatment  can  be  appreciated,  as  I  conclusively 
prove.  I  can  even  reform  and  make  perfectly  gentle  the 
wildest  and  most  vicious  horses  that  can  be  found ;  and  that 
it  must  be  the  fault  of  the  reader  if  he  cannot  be  equally 
successful.  I  see  and  handle  horses  almost  daily,  that  are 
used  for  carriage  driving,  so  unreliable  and  dangerous  in 
character,  that  it  would  be  true  economy  to  shoot  or  give 
them  away,  rather  than  hazard  accident  by  their  use. 

NOT  BEING  AFRAID  OF  HORSES. 

This  is  a  common  expression,  and  is  most  always 
prompted  by  fool  hardy  ignorance.  A  wild  mustang  or 
mule  would  strike  or  kick  without  regard  to  being  firm  and 
courageous  in  manner  or  not.  A  determined  horse  that 
has  learned  to  kick  and  run  away,  can  do  so  in  defiance  of 
any  control  that  can  be  exerted  upon  the  mouth  by  the 
strongest  of  men  with  reins.  If  there  is  danger  of  a  horse 
kicking  or  resisting  control  from  excessive  fear  or  other 
cause  of  resistance,  being  recklessly  venturesome,  without 
having  taken  adequate  precautionary  measures  to  prevent  or 
overcome  such  viciousness,  is  only  incurring  risk;  it  is  the 
part  of  true  success  to  guard  against  or  break  up,  before 
taking  any  doubtful  chances  which  can  be  easily  done  by 
my  treatment.  It  is  assuming  too  much  for  any  man  to 
attempt  driving  and  controlling  a  wild,  reckless,  kicking, 
runaway  horse,  by  the  control  of  reins  and  bit,  as  a  strong, 


40  NOT  BEING  AFRAID  OF  HORSES. 

determined,  runaway  horse  can  run  away  in  defiance  of  the 
power  of  several  men  by  pulling  on  reins  with  any  bit 
in  use.  I  could  refer,  if  necessary,  to  hundreds  of  horses 
of  so  bad  a  character  as  to  resist  all  control  in  double  or 
single  harness,  by  any  means  that  could  be  used,  to  two  of 
the  worst  cases  of  which  I  will  refer  to  here,  out  of  a  large 
number  I  have  handled,  even  during  the  past  season. 

An  eight  year  old  bay  horse,  owned  by  Mr.  Gates,  a 
livery  keeper  of  Garrettsville,  Ohio.  This  horse  was  raised 
by  Mr.  Gates,  had  a  right  to  trot  fast,  but  in  defiance  of  all 
that  he  could  do  up  to  the  time  handled  by  me,  he  could 
no  be  controlled  in  harness.  The  united  strength  of  ten 
men,  the  owner  stated,  could  not  hold  him  if  in  the  least 
excited  or  touched  with  a  whip;  yet  in  twenty  minutes  was 
driven  by  me  gently,  and  so  thoroughly  gentle  and  man- 
ageable as  to  stand  by  word  of  command,  regardless  of  any 
excitement,  even  whipping,  and  has  been  driven  in  double 
and  single  harness  by  Mr.  Gates  and  others  for  nearly  a 
year,  (Nov.,  1871,)  and  drives  safe  and  gentle.  One  of  the 
most  remarkable  however,  was  a  six  year  old  colt,  owned  by 
J.  P.  Collins,  Esq.,  proprietor  of  track  in  Toledo,  Ohio. 
This  colt  resisted  all  control  in  harness,  pulling  so  recklessly 
against  the  bit,  that  control  was  out  of  the  question;  yet 
was  driven  perfectly  gentle  by  me  in  forty  minutes,  and 
remains  so.  These  horses  could  run  away  with  any  horse 
hitched  with  them  in  double  harness;  it  was  considered  as 
impossible  by  any  means  to  drive  them  in  single  or  double 
harness  without  running  away ;  yet  the  once  handling  to 
which  each  was  subjected  by  me,  proved  sufficient  to  make 
them  quiet  ir>  single  or  double  harness. 

I  stand  ready  to  handle  and  drive  horses  of  the  wildest 
and  most  desperate  character,  and  take  such  in  hand  almost 
daily  in  illustrating  my  lectures,  yet  I  never  have  an  acci- 
dent or  get  run  away  with.  Now,  although  I  do  this  as  a 
matter  of  business  in  the  pursuit  of  which  I  take  in  hand 
some  of  the  most  desperately  reckless  horses  in  the  country, 
I  would  not  think  of  hitching  up  and  driving  a  horse  of 
even  ordinary  bad  character  as  is  usually  done,  knowing 
my  control  to  be  too  doubtful  and  limited  to  do  so  safely. 
This  is  the  prudence  I  would  urge  upon  you  to  exercise  when 
necessary,  as  it  is  one  of  the  essential  points  of  true  suc- 
cess as  well  as  in  guarding  against  and  preventing  accident. 


GREAT   THOROUGHNESS    NECESSARY.  41 

Of  course  there  are  circumstances,  and  they  are  almost  of 
constant  occurrence,  that  call  for  courage  and  firmness  of 
the  highest  order,  to  divert  the  attention,  and  hold  a  dis- 
position to  aggression  in  check.  Horses  of  courage  and 
intelligence  are  sometimes  wonderfully  acute  in  their  per- 
ceptions, and  the  least  expression  of  weakness  or  want  of 
confidence  would  encourage  them  to  resistance  if  not 
dangerous  aggression.  This  is  seen  most  clearly  in 
stallions. 

The  horse  always  reveals  his  intentions  by  the  actions 
of  the  ears  and  muzzle,  and  the  expression  of  the  eyes,  as 
plainly  as  could  be  done  by  words.  If  they  are  thrown 
back,  the  lips  curl,  eye  half  closes  and  glistening  with  an 
expression  of  defiance,  there  is  danger.  In  approaching 
such  a  horse,  the  better  way  is  to  stand  still  just  beyond 
the  reach  of  the  animal,  looking  straight  at  the  eye,  show- 
ing undoubted  confidence  and  power  in  the  actions  and 
expression  of  the  features  and  language,  authoritatively 
commanding  to  get  round  or  take  care.  The  degree  of 
attention  and  submission  to  command,  will  enable  deter- 
mining with  great  certainty,  how  far  it  is  safe  to  venture, 
but  under  any  circumstances  is  the  eye,  in  such  a  case,  to 
be  taken  off  that  of  the  horse.  The  firmness  and  delicacy  of 
judgment  often  necessary  in  approaching  and  handling  some 
horses,  must  necessarily  be  of  a  high  order  to  prevent  resist- 
ance, if  not  aggression  and  injury. 

GREAT  THOROUGHNESS   NECESSARY. 

An  important  requisition  is  being  thorough  in  what  is 
attempted  to  be  done,  and  never  to  feel  that  there  cannot 
be  success.  The  worse  the  horse,  the  more  careful  and 
thorough  must  be  the  efforts.  Want  of  reasonable  perse- 
verance will,  I  imagine,  be  the  principle  cause  of  failure  if 
there  is  failure. 

Fifteen  out  of  every  twenty  men,  who  may  attend  my 
lectures,  would  toil  arduously  and  patiently  for  days  and 
even  weeks  for  the  pittance  of  a  dollar  or  two  a  day,  who 
would  scarcely  submit  to  the  patience  and  effort  necessary 
to  break  or  reform  a  valuable  horse,  for  example,  of  balking 
or  kicking,  if  it  required  a  half  day's  continuous  effort, 
though  the  effort  would  enable  increasing  value  of  the  ani- 
mal from  one-fourth  to  one-half. 


42  GREAT   THOROUGHNESS    NECESSARY. 

There  are  also  many  who  are  disposed  to  sneer  and  find 
fault  with  the  writer,  should  they  fail  to  even  a  limited 
degree  in  accomplishing  those  marked  results  illustrated, 
and  which  have  been  shown  to  be  so  easily  accomplished  by 
his  treatment  as  to  be  beyond  comparison  with  any  other 
treatment  in  simplicity  and  effectiveness. 

The  consideration  of  an  hour  or  two's  time  and  a  few 
dollars'  cost,  seems  to  be  an  equivalent  that  demands  such 
effectiveness  in  the  treatment  given,  as  to  scarcely  require 
an  effort  to  reform  horses  of  the  most  vicious  character. 
Like  the  conceited,  ignorant,  laboring  Irishman,  who  man- 
aged by  years  of  the  most  severe  labor  and  rigid  economy 
to  save  enough  to  take  him  to  America,  had  such  a  hallu- 
cination impressed  upon  his  mind  of  the  ease  and  luxurious 
plenty  to  be  found  in  this  great,  free  country,  that  after 
landing  in  New  York  he  would  not  deign  to  pick  up  a  five 
dollar  gold  piece  which  happened  in  his  way  in  the  street. 
It  was  not  worth  stooping  for.  Be  Gorra,  he  would  go  to 
the  whole  heap  which  he  imagined  somewhere  beyond,  and 
when  he  found  it  necessary  to  work  at  fourteen  shillings  a 
day,  which  was  just  twelve  times  more  than  he  ever  received 
for  a  day's  labor  in  Ireland,  he  cursed  the  freedom  and 
sneered  at  the  privation,  suffering  and  loss  by  which  this 
grand,  free  country,  with  its  illimitable  resources,  were  won 
and  given  for  the  use  and  benefit  of  the  poor  and  industrious 
of  all  nations,  for  little  more  than  the  cost  of  coming  to  it. 
So  many  ignorant,  conceited  men  who  have  not  the  expe- 
rience, discrimination  or  judgment  to  appreciate  and  use 
with  becoming  patience  and  effort,  the  knowledge  which  I 
have  made  available  to  them  for  virtually  almost  nothing, 
which  has  cost  me  the  best  part  of  my  life  to  develope,  at 
a  cost  of  labor,  anxiety,  danger  and  money,  that  with  rea- 
son would  appal  those  of  the  most  stern  resolution,  energy 
and  strength,  and  but  few,  indeed,  who  would  have  the 
courage  even  to  attempt,  would  succeed  in  passing  through 
without  failing.  The  truth  is,  more  or  less  failure  and  dif- 
ficulty is  necessary  to  become  skilled  and  successful  in  the 
performance  of  any  important  duty,  and  the  same  is,  to 
some  extent,  true  in  the  application  of  my  system.  When 
I  tell  the  reader  that  the  ability  to  write  these  pages,  and 
whatever  of  skill  and  success  I  have  attained,  has  been 
grown  into  me  by  the  hard,  stern  attrition  of  an  unaided 


MORAL    BEARING.  43 

floating  life  among  strangers,  almost  continually  subject  to 
those  perverting  influences  which  are  its  natural  concomi- 
tants. And  yet  I  am  made  only  the  more  mindful  by  ex- 
perience that  I  am  wholly  indebted  to  those  necessities  of 
my  condition,  which  seemed  to  call  continually  for  the 
exercise  of  my  greatest  energies,  not  so  much  to  attain  suc- 
ces  as  to  prevent  and  overcome  the  trials  and  failures  to 
which  I  was  almost  constantly  liable.  This  is  the  lesson 
which  true  success  in  any  channel  must  teach,  and  in  no 
direction  is  it  taught  more  forcibly  than  in  the  proper  exer- 
cise of  this  great  and  important  duty. 

Human  nature  is  so  constituted  that  it  calls  for  great 
trials  to  develope  its  great  and  profound  resources.  Every 
difficulty,  rightly  considered,  only  stirs  into  still  greater 
action  its  latent  powers.  Every  act  of  dissimulation  and 
dishonesty  discovered  leads  to  a  closer  perception  of  the 
actions  and  intentions  animating  others  under  like  circum- 
stances, but  they  are  rightly  considered  only  the  elements 
necessary  to  brighten  and  strengthen  the  mind  to  steadier, 
stronger,  more  uniform  and  successful  action.  As  the 
steady  wielding  of  the  hammer  by  the  blacksmith  developes 
more  size  and  strength  in  his  arm,  and  proportionately  more 
strength  and  powers  of  endurance. 

MORAL  BEARING. 

In  its  true  significance,  this  duty  is  really  one  of  the  most 
interesting  and  instructive  we  are  called  upon  to  perform, 
constantly  revealing  to  the  mind  the  true  latitude  of  its 
powers  and  responsibility.  In  studying  the  instincts  and 
habits  of  the  horse,  we  are  reminded  of  many  of  the  laws, 
aptitudes  and  peculiarities  of  our  own  nature;  for,  while 
we  are  trying  to  control  and  regulate  the  actions  of  the 
horse,  we  are  bringing  into  play  certain  principles  of  order, 
command  and  control  in  our  own  minds. 

The  more  we  observe  this  the  more  true  and  important  it 
will  be  made  to  appear  to  us.  We  soon  rind  that  we  first 
need  to  control  ourselves  to  be  able  to  control  the  horse, 
and  we  see,  too,  that  the  more  perfect  and  reasonable  the 
control  which  we  are  capable  of  exercising  over  ourselves 
is,  the  more  perfect  and  reasonable  the  control  we  are  capa- 
ble of  exercising  over  the  horse.  Hence  we  see  that  the 


44  MORAL   BEARING. 

scientific  study  and  training  of  the  horse  is  almost  continu- 
ally leading  the  mind  to  an  insight  of  the  most  striking 
laws  of  our  own  minds. 

Now,  when  we  proceed  on  fixed  laws,  this  exercise  begins, 
and  the  more  we  see  and  understand  that  skill  is  involved, 
the  more  we  feel  that  real  responsibility  and  skill  are  de- 
manded to  insure  success.  We  see  that  certain  elements 
are  necessary:  -coolness,  firmness,  steadiness  of  purpose, 
energy,  perseverance.  We  have  brought  all  these  qualities 
into  exercise ;  we  have  cultivated  and  strengthened  them 
in  ourselves;  we  have  seen  the  importance  of  not  showing 
fear,  the  impropriety  of  exhibiting  anger,  hastiness,  re- 
venge, etc.,  and  the  importance  of  keeping  uppermost 
feelings  of  kindness,  forbearance,  etc.  Thus,  when  we 
proceed  on  right  principles  and  according  to  the  real  laws 
of  the  case,  we  are  all  the  time  cultivating  the  better  side, 
and  restraining  the  worst  side  of  our  own  nature. 

View  the  subject  as  we  will,  it  excites  strong  incentives 
to  self-improvement,  offering  the  most  frequent  suggestions, 
and  presenting  a  repetition  of  motives  for  the  cultivation 
of  all  our  highest  and  best  powers. 


THE  WILD  COLT. 


WHEN  we  remember  that  the  first  impressions  on  the 
mind  of  the  colt  are  the  strongest  and  most  lasting;  that 
his  resistance  is  prompted  by  fear  and  an  ignorance  of  what 
he  is  required  to  do,  we  see  that  the  first  point  to  be  ac- 
complished, is  to  make  him  so  gentle  that  he  will  not  try  to 
resist  being  handled  without  frightening  or  abusing  him. 
Imagine  yourself  in  place  of  the  colt;  a  timid,  innocent,  sus- 
picious child,  and  realize  what  the  treatment  of  any  one 
should  be  to  enlist  your  confidence  and  obedience,  and  you 
will  see  that  gentleness,  kindness  and  prudence  in  not 
exciting  the  fears  are  paramount  considerations.  If  the 
colt  is  afraid  of  you  and  resists  your  control,  it  is  because 
he  apprehends  danger  from  you.  Now  the  quicker  you 
force  him  the  more  you  must  abuse  and  excite  him,  hence 
you  must  make  up  your  mind  to  be  patient — take  your  time, 
following  up  carefully,  one  point  after  another,  until  there  is 
entire  docility,  allowing  being  touched  or  handled  behind 
as  may  be  desired  without  exciting  fear  or  resistance. 

If  possible,  have  a  room  or  yard,  about  twenty-five  or 
thirty  feet  square,  or  even  larger.  See  that  all  causes  of  in- 
jury are  removed,  and  get  the  colt  into  this  enclosure  very 
quietly;  if  he  is  wild  and  nervous,  see  that  no  hens,  dogs, 
etc.,  are  in  the  room.  Say  to  your  friends,  it  is  necessary 
to  your  success,  and  is  a  condition  of  your  instruction,  that 
you  must  be  alone. 

Of  course  the  colt  must  first  be  haltered.  If  not  very 
wild,  this  will  not  be  difficult  to  do.  But  if  very  wild  or 
vicious,  this  may  be  difficult  and  perhaps  dangerous,  and 
you  should  always  carefully  guard  against  injury  to  yourself 
as  well  as  your  horse,  and  at  the  same  time  you  may 
accomplish  your  object  just  as  surely,  if  not  as  easily.  Take 
a  light  pole  ten  or  twelve  feet  in  length,  or  as  much  longer 
as  you  can  use  to  advantage,  if  the  colt  is  very  wild  or 


46 


HALTERING    THE    COLT. 


dangerous,  and  drive  two  nails  into  it,  about  eight  inches 
apart,  the  first  about  an  inch  from  the  end,  with  the  heads 
bent  a  little  outward  from  each  other.  Take  a  common 


Haltering  the  Colt. 

rope  halter  with  a  running  noose,  pull  the  part  which  slips 
through  the  noose  back  about  two  feet,  and  hang  the  part 
that  goes  over  the  head  upon  the  nails  on  the  end  of  your 
pole  nicely,  keeping  hold  of  the  hitching  part,  which  must 
be  as  long  as  your  pole.  Your  halter  is  now  so  spread  and 
hung  upon  the  stick  as  to  be  easily  put  on  to  the  head.  If 
the  colt  is  not  excited  or  frightened,  as  you  extend  the  hal- 
ter towards  him  he  will  reach  out  his  nose  to  smell  and 
examine  it,  and  while  he  is  gratifying  his  curiosity  in  this 
way,  you  can  bring  the  slack  part  under  his  jaw  and  raise 
the  pole  high  enough  to  bring  the  halter  over  and  back  of 
the  ears,  when,  by  turning  the  stick  half  way  round,  the 
halter  will  drop  from  it  upon  the  head.  This  will  frighten 
the  colt  a  little  and  cause  him  to  run  from  you,  but  this  will 
only  cause  the  slack  part  passing  back  of  the  jaw  to  be 
pulled  up,  and  the  halter  will  be  securely  adjusted. 

Being  haltered,  the  colt  must  be  taught  to  submit  to  its 
restraints  and  control.  Take  a  position  at  the  side  on  a 
line  with  the  shoulder,  and  give  a  quick,  strong  pull  towards 
you,  instantly  letting  loose  on  the  halter  until  you  get  the 
same  position  again.  You  have  the  greatest  advantage  from 


HITCHING.  47 

this  position,  and  by  adroitly  repeating  the  pulls  as  he  will 
bear,  until  he  will  come  without  being  pulled  upon.  Should 
you  pull  slow  and  steady,  he  will  resist  and  pull  against 
you,  and  may  even  attempt  to  throw  himself  down;  this 
you  will  avoid  by  giving  a  quick  pull,  and  letting  loose  in- 
stantly. As  soon  as  he  will  yield  and  come  round  promptly, 
get  on  the  other  side  and  repeat  in  the  same  manner,  until 
he  will  follow  you  readily  on  either  side  without  pulling. 
Be  careful  not  to  pull  ahead  until  there  is  prompt  submis- 
sion sidewise.  You  can  then  gradually  pull  a  little  more  on 
a  line  with  the  body  until  the  colt  will  come  promptly  in 
any  direction.,  to  the  slightest  pull  upon  the  halter.  If  the 
colt  is  of  a  quick,  gentle  disposition,  he  will  soon  learn  this 
lesson  thoroughly ;  but  if  very  young,  or  of  a  slow,  sulky 
disposition,  great  resistance  is  likely  to  be  shown  for  some 
time.  If  the  resistance  is  very  obstinate  or  reckless  in 
character,  you  may  resort  to  the  simple  course  of  subjection, 
which  will  soon  compel  obedience.  This  you  have  been 
taught  how  to  do ;  if  there  is  not  prompt  obedience  to  the 
second  method,  (being  careful  not  to  tie  too  short,)  resort  to 
the  first,  then  again  to  the  second,  until  submissive. 

When  there  is  submission  you  should  encourage  by  ap- 
pealing to  the  affections.  Rub  the  head  and  neck,  and  give 
presents  of  something  of  which  fond,  until  all  excitement 
and  irritation  subside.  The  eye  will  gradually  grow  mild 
in  expression,  and  there  will  be  an  apparent  indifference  to 
being  handled.  A  coarse,  harsh  or  loud  voice  is  terribly 
irritating  to  a  sensitive  or  spirited  horse  or  colt,  and  must 
by  all  means  be  held  in  check.  Speak  in  a  gentle  natural 
tone,  softened  by  kind  expression,  which  will  do  much 
toward  securing  the  confidence  of  the  animal  and  repressing 
his  fear.  With  some  colts  it  will  be  necessary  to  repeat  the 
lesson  in  leading  two  or  three  times,  to  ensure  prompt 
obedience. 

HITCHING. 

When  the  colt  will  lead  kindly  and  promptly,  he  may 
next  be  taught  to  stand  hitched.  To  prevent  his  learning 
to  pull  at  the  halter,  take  a  piece  of  strong  cord,  about  a 
third  of  an  inch  in  diameter,  twenty-two  feet  long;  double 
it,  and  place  the  centre  under  the  tail;  bring  both  ends 


48  BITTING. 

forward,  cross  and  twist  them  three  or  four  times  over  the 
back,   knot    them    in  front  of  the  breast,  and  pass  them 


Hitching. 

through  the  ring  of  the  halter  and  tie  to  the  manger  or  post. 
Hitch  in  this  way  until  the  colt  refuses  to  pull  back,  even 
if  frightened  a  little ;  after  learning  to  submit  in  this  manner, 
which  he  will  soon  learn  to  do,  he  will  stand  hitched  by 
the  common  form  of  halter. 

BITTING 

Is  the  next  step  in  educating  the  colt,  and  implies  teaching 
the  colt  to  submit  to  the  restraint  and  control  of  the  bit, 
giving  as  much  style  to  the  carriage  of  the  head  and  neck 
as  the  form  and  temper  of  the  animal  will  bear.  Put  on  a 
common  bridle  with  a  smooth  snaffle  bit,  without  reins,  and 
allow  him  to  go  as  he  pleases,  in  a  yard  or  field,  for  half  an 
hour  or  more,  which  may  be  repeated  once  or  twice,  to 
make  the  mouth  accustomed  to  and  hardened  to  the  bit. 
Next  put  on  a  surcingle  with  check  and  side  reins,  buckling 
the  reins  at  first  so  long  as  to  bring  but  little  restraint  upon 
the  mouth.  After  being  on  thirty  or  forty  minutes,  take  it 
off.  At  each  repetition  buckle  the  reins  a  little  shorter, 
until  the  head  is  submitted  up  and  back  freely  to  the  check. 
It  seems  needless  to  introduce  details  of  a  bitting  harness. 
Any  simple  construction  of  the  ordinary  kind  will  answer 
very  well,  and  the  style  is  so  generallv  understood  that  a 


BITTING    THE    COLT.  49 

description  here  is  unnecessary.  The  object  being  to  bring 
such  restraint  upon  the  bit  that  the  head  will  be  held  up 
and  back  most  natural  and  easily,  without  giving  freedom 
to  the  head  except  in  the  direction  of  the  reins.  Care 
should  be  taken  to  have  the  throat  latch  so  loose,  that  there 
will  be  no  pressure  of  it  upon  the  throat  when  checked  up. 


Bitting  the  Colt. 

The  gag-runners  should  be  well  up  near  the  ears.  Care 
must  be  taken  not  to  bring  too  much  restraint  upon  the  bit 
by  buckling  the  reins  so  short  at  first,  as  to  endanger  causing 
the  colt  to  throw  himself  over  backwards  and  break  his 
neck.  It  is  bad  policy  to  keep  a  colt  checked  up  too  long 
at  a  time,  as  it  becomes  tiresome,  which  would  cause  a 
resting  of  the  head  upon  the  bit  and  thus  form  the  disagree- 
able habit  of  lugging.  If,  however,  the  colt  should  fight  the 
restraint  of  the  bit  or  check,  it  should  be  left  on  till  the  fit 
exhausts  itself  and  he  shows  a  disposition  to  submit  to  its 
restraint. 

Short  lessons  at  first,  and  gradually  keeping  on  longer  as 
the  mouth  becomes  hardened  by  the  bit  and  the  colt  will 
bear  it  without  fatigue,  is  the  best  course. 

After  the  usual  course  of  checking  up  in  this  maniv.r,. 
3 


50  DRIVING    IN    HARNESS. 

take  a  piece  of  cord  about  eight  or  ten  feet  in  length,  of  the 
common  sash  or  clothes  line  size,  as  strong  and  pliable  as 
you  can  find.  Tie  a  large  hard  knot  in  one  end,  and  about 
twenty  inches  from  this  knot  make  another  tie,  passing  the 
knot  end  around  the  neck  as  near  the  shoulder  as  possible. 
Pass  the  other  end  of  the  cord  through  both  rings  of  the 
bit,  back  of  the  jaw  and  back  through  the  loop  around  the 
neck,  and  draw  up  the  slack.  Now  stand  in  front  of  the 
head,  holding  the  cord  tightly  with  both  hands;  give  a 
quick,  short  pull  down  and  back,  which  will  cause  the  head 
to  be  thrown  up  and  back.  Repeat,  until  the  head  is  given 
up  and  back  freely  at  the  slightest  pull.  Now,  when  the 
reins  are  attached  to  the  bit  and  pulled  upon,  the  restraint 
is  precisely  the  same  as  before;  and  after  repeating  this 
lesson  a  few  times,  the  head  will  be  freely  submitted  to  the 
control  of  the  bit,  and  a  beautiful  carriage  of  the  head 
secured,  even  without  a  check. 

DRIVING  IN  HARNESS. 

I  would  say  here  in  this  connection,  that  there  is  an 
almost  unaccountable  stupidity  exhibited,  in  the  usual 
method  of  training  colts.  There  is  the  greatest  care  taken 
not  to  frighten  by  having  the  heels  touched  for  fear  of  ex- 
citing resistance ;  whereas,  this  is  the  very  point  that  should 
be  accomplished  most  thoroughly  in  the  first  place.  The 
hinder  parts  should  be  broken,  as  it  is  term,  until  there  is  no 
fear  of  being  touched  by  anything.  This  is  the  first  point 
I  look  to  and  accomplish  most  perfectly,  safely  and  quickly 
by  my  second  course  of  subjection,  and  which  is  one  of  the 
real  secrets  of  my  success  in  driving  wild  or  kicking  colts 
so  quickly  to  shafts  without  breeching.  Look  to  this  point 
in  the  first  place,  then  teach  the  colt  to  summit  to  the  gui- 
dance and  control  of  tbe  bit,  and  you  accomplish  by  two 
movements,  quicker  and  better,  what  it  takes  so  long,  and 
is  done  so  unreliable  by  the  usual  course  of  treatment. 

When  the  colt  is  gentle  and  taught  to  submit  the  head  to 
the  bit,  the  next  step  should  be  to  teach  submission  to  the 
guidance  and  control  of  the  bit  with  reins.  I  would  state 
here  that  if  the  colt  is  well  bitted,  submitting  the  head  to 
being  checked  high,  there  will  not  be  much  inclination  to 
kick  or  resist,  hence,  the  custom  of  putting  on  a  bitting 


HITCHING  THE  COLT  TO  POLES.  51 

harness  on  a  wild  colt,  checking  the  head  up  tightly.  This 
treatment  will  work  well  in  most  cases;  being  a  powerful 
means  of  subjection,  the  majority  of  colts  or  those  not  very 
bad,  will  work  to  harness  quite  well  by  checking  up  tightly 
for  a  while.  Colts  of  a  sulky,  plucky  nature  are  liable  to 
resist  it,  and  throw  themselves  over  backwards.  If  the 
back  part  of  the  head  should  strike  the  ground  heavy  in 
thus  falling,  there  is  great  danger  of  the  animal  being 
killed,  as  the  back  part  of  the  head  under  where  the  bridle 
and  halter  comes,  is  where  the  first  bone  of  the  cervical 
vertebrae  (atlas)  unites  to  the  head  or  oxipital ;  an  appa- 
rently very  slight  concussion  or  injury  at  this  point  will 
break  the  neck  and  destroy  life.  This  must  not  be 
hazarded,  and  besides  it  is  needlessly  cruel.  The  course  I 
advise  in  the  first  place,  enables  making  the  colt  perfectly 
gentle  with  perfect  safety  in  a  few  minutes,  enabling,  if  even 
desired,  putting  the  colt  in  harness  and  driving  with  perfect 
safety,  especially  if  the  precaution  is  taken  of  driving 
around  a  few  minuutes  in  harness  before  attaching  to 
wagon;  but  if  the  greatest  certainty  is  desired  at  the 
expense  of  a  little  patient  care,  subject  to  the  mild  course 
of  bitting  in  addition,  but  little  more  is  necessary  to  do 
than  drive  him  in  harness  a  few  minutes,  turning  right  and 
left,  and  stopping  until  obedient,  when  he  can  be  easily 
driven  to  shafts. 

The  proper  course  is  to  put  on  the  harness  with  smooth 
snaffle  bit  in  bridle,  tie  the  tugs  into  the  breeching,  run  the 
reins  through  the  shaft  lugs  instead  of  the  terrets,  now  get- 
ting directly  behind  the  colt  you  can  easily  rein  and  keep 
him  before  you  in  driving  until  obedient  and  gentle  to 
reins.  Of  course  there  must  be  patience  and  care  in  pro- 
portion to  the  temper  and  natural  resistance  shown  until 
successful. 

HITCHING  THE  COLT  TO  POLES. 

If  the  colt  is  at  all  uncertain,  it  will  be  policy  to  work 
slowly  and  carefully,  as  one  mismove  while  attached  to  a 
wagon  might  cause  damage  to  wagon  and  injury  to  the  colt. 
The  simplest,  cheapest  and  surest  plan  of  teaching  the  colt  to 
become  safe  in  shafts,  is  to  drive  first  in  poles.  GET  THREE 
SLENDER  POLES,  two  of  them  about  twelve  feet  long  each, 
the  third  about  seven  feet  in  length.  Lay  down  the  poles 


52  HITCHING  THE  COLT  TO  POLES. 

small  ends  forward  in  the  form  of  shafts,  about  twenty 
inches  spart,  the  back  ends  about  six  feet  apart.  Lay  the 
short  piece  across  about  six  feet  six  inches  to  seven  feet 
from  the  forward  ends,  and  tie  on  with  pieces  of  cord. 
Hitch  the  colt  into  these  poles,  attaching  the  tugs  to  the 
cross  piece  by  tying  with  cord,  and  drive  around  until  there 
is  perfect  submission  to  them,  guiding  promptly  to  the  reins 
and  submitting  to  the  poles  striking  the  flanks  or  heels 
without  exciting  the  least  fear.  But  in  the  early  driving  of 
colts,  great  care  must  be  used  not  to  force  too  freely  to 
back,  as  this  may  cause  the  habit  of  backing  too  freely, 
turning  around  and  running  back  from  the  slightest  causes 
of  fear  of  anything  in  advance,  in  driving  to  wagon  or 
sulky.  Great  care  should  be  taken  not  to  drive  the  colt 
too  much  at  first,  and  at  no  time  sufficient  to  produce 
exhaustion.  Neither  should  his  strength  be  taxed  too  much 
by  drawing  heavy  loads,  until  he  has  become  accustomed 
to  the  noise  and  restraint  of  the  wagon  and  learned  to  use 
his  strength  as  required.  Let  his  drives  be  moderate  at  first, 
both  in  gait  and  distance  \  gradually  increasing  the  distance 
as  he  will  bear  without  fatigue.  After  learning  to  walk  well, 
let  him  trot  a  little,  gradually  letting  him  out  faster  and  a 
little  farther,  as  smooth  pieces  of  road  give  opportunity; 
restrict  these  little  outbursts  of  speed  at  first  to  the  limits 
of  a  few  rods.  Let  him  dash  out  a  short  distance,  then 
gradully  slacken  to  a  walk,  speaking  kindly  and  en- 
couragingly. After  a  while,  let  him  out  again,  pushing, 
perhaps,  a  little  faster  and  farther,  being  careful  not  to 
crowd  to  breaking.  It  must  not  be  expected  because  your 
colt  is  perhaps  a  good  mover,  that  he  will  be  a  fast  trotter. 
But  if  he  does  show  a  loose  open  gait,  do  not  by  any  means 
spoil  him  by  attempting  too  much  at  first.  There  is  usually 
too  much  anxiety  to  try  a  colt's  speed  and  bottom,  and  he 
is  often  pushed,  overdone,  and  spoiled  perhaps,  before  his 
powers  are  half  developed. 

A  colt  must  not  be  crowded  too  much  in  educating  to 
harness.  He  cannot  be  expected  to  submit  quietly  to  the 
irritation  and  excitement  of  harness  and  wagon,  or  drive 
like  an  old  horse,  without  experience  and  practice.  He 
must  grow  into  the  position  as  it  is  were,  and  a  reasonable 
patience  and  effort  is  necessary  to  ensure  this.  The  great 
trouble  with  most  people  in  training  colts  is,  they  attempt 


DOUBLE    DRIVING — BACKING — RIDING.  53 

too  much,  and  thus  make  haste  slowly.  The  quickest  and 
surest  course  is  that  I  give.  It  will  always  enable  working 
a  colt  safely  at  most  in  a  few  hours. 

DOUBLE  DHIVING. 

It  is  generally  the  custom  to  drive  the  colt  at  first  in 
double  harness  by  the  side  of  a  gentle  horse  accustomed  to 
harness ;  the  colt  should  be  put  on  the  off  side.  The  whip 
should  be  held  over  the  old  horse,  to  keep  him  up  to  the 
movements  of  the  colt  in  starting,  but  the  gait  should  be 
kept  moderate. 

After  driving  well  on  the  off  side,  he  should  be  reversed 
to  the  near  side,  there  being  less  danger  of  becoming 
frightened  from  getting  into  or  out  of  the  wagon,  or  of 
seeing  things  while  being  passed  to  or  from  the  wagon,  by 
being  more  from  view  on  the  off  side,  therefore  to  lessen 
the  probabilities  of  being  frightened,  it  is  preferable  at  first. 

Let  the  driving  be  moderate,  and  the  load  light,  and,  by 
all  means,  if  the  colt  is  of  a  sensitive  or  nervous  tempera- 
ment, the  greatest  mildness  must  be  observed.  Loud 
"yelling"  or  cracking  of  the  whip  should  not  be  permitted. 
A  little  imprudence  of  this  kind  is  often  the  cause  of  very 
serious  mischief  with  timid,  young  horses. 

BACKING. 

After  learning  to  drive  well,  teach  the  idea  of  backing  by 
pulling  on  the  reins  steadily,  and  saying  "back."  If  there 
is  resistance  give  a  quick,  sharp,  raking  pull,  which  will  move 
the  colt  by  the  pain  and  force  of  the  bit  backward,  repeat- 
ing until  there  is  prompt  obedience.  If  there  is  much 
resistance  put  on  breaking  bit,  which  will  soon  secure 
obedience,  but  under  any  curcumstances  do  not  make  the 
colt  back  too  freely,  especially  if  the  mouth  is  sensitive. 

BIDING. 

If  the  colt  is  not  of  a  very  bad  character  there  will  be  no 
resistance  to  being  rode  after  the  first  lesson  of  subjection. 
If  there  is,  attach  a  short  strap  or  a  piece  of  rope  to  the  off 
fore  foot,  throwing  the  othet  end  over  the  back.  Take  a 


54  RIDING. 

short  hold  of  this  strap  with  the  right  hand,  while  the  left 
grasps  the  near  rein  of  the 'bridle  firmly.  As  the  head  is 
pulled  around,  the  horse  is  made  to  step  sidewise,  and  the 
instant  the  foot  is  relaxed  it  is  held  up  by  the  restraint  of 
the  right  hand  on  the  strap,  which  is  instantly  drawn  upon. 
The  colt  is  now  on  three  legs, 
and  unable  to  resist.  Jump 
lightly  on  the  back,  press  the 
feet  against  the  belly  and  flanks. 
As  there  is  submission  release 
the  foot,  taking  ,a  firm  hold  of 
the  reins,  which  should  be  held 
short.  Move  the  colt  forward, 
and  as  there  is  an  indication  of  ^ 
resistance  pull  upon  the  strap  ^ 
and  reins,  which  will  disable  and 
disconcert  the  horse  from  further  (Mounting  the  Coiu 

opposition  to  being  rode.  If  the  colt  will  not  move  for- 
ward, request  an  assistant  to  lead  him  by  the  head  for  a 
short  time.  So  long  as  there  is  any  indication  of  resistance, 
keep  on  the  strap.  One  thorough  lesson  is  usually  suffi- 
cient, though  some  colts  may  require  a  repetition  of  the 
lesson. 

When  it  is  desired  to  mount,  let  the  left  hand  rest  lightly 
on  the  mane,  a  little  forward  of  the  withers,  holding  the 
reins  between  the  thumb  and  fingers.  Throw  the  right 
hand  lightly  on  the  back,  the  body  close  to  the  horse. 
Now  spring  lightly  upward  and  forward.  The  instant  of 
doing  so,  let  the  right  hand  glide  forward  until  the  elbow 
strikes  the  back  bone,  when  the  weight  of  the  body  is  to  be 
instantly  balanced  upon  the  right  arm,  which  will  enable 
sufficient  strength  to  make  the  spring  continuous,  and  the 
body  is  easily  brought  into  a  sitting  posture.  This  is  slight 
undertaking,  and  a  little  practice  will  give  the  ability  to 
mount  the  highest  horses  with  apparently  wonderful  ease. 
To  mount  on  a  saddle,  stand  by  the  side,  a  little  back  of 
the  stirrup,  the  face  towards  the  horse's  head.  Take  a  short 
hold  of  the  reins  between  the  fingers,  grasping  into  the 
mane  at  the  same  time,  put  the  left  foot  into  the  stirrup, 
throw  the  right  hand  over  the  saddle  and  press  it  against 
the  off  side,  throwing  the  weight  of  the  body  on  the  left 
foot,  and  you  can  lift  yourself  into  the  saddle  easily. 


HANDLING    THE    COLT'S    FEET.  55 

HANDLING  THE  COLT'S  FEET. 

If  the  colt  is  of  an  ordinary  good  disposition  this  can  be 
done  without  resorting  to  special  means.  Stand  well  up  to 
the  shoulder,  put  the  left  hand  on  the  shoulder,  pressing 
forward  gently,  which  will  relax  the  muscles  controlling  the 
leg,  with  the  right  hand,  instantly  grasp  the  foot  below  the 
fetlock  and  lift  it  up,  removing  the  left  hand  and  bring 
under  the  foot  to  aid  the  right  hand.  To  handle  the  hind 
feet,  let  the  right  hand  glide  gently  from  the  shoulders  back 
to  the  hip.  At  the  instant  it  passes  the  point  of  the  hip, 
bring  the  left  forward  upon  the  hip.  While  doing  this,  the 
right  hand  is  being  glided  down  the  leg  gently,  until  it 
strikes  the  fetlock,  when  the  left  hand  should  be  pressed 
firmly  against  the  body  at  the  point  stated,  which  will  relax 
the  limb,  and  the  foot  can  be  easily  brought  up  by  the  right, 
the  left  is  lowered  and  passed  down  the  limb  on  the  back 
part  of  the  fetlock.  Or  the  foot  can  be  raised  and  lowered 
a  few  times  with  the  right  hand,  while  the  left  balances  the 
body  by  pressing  against  the  hip  until  there  is  perfect 
submission. 

If  there  is  resistance,  take  up  the  fore  foot,  request  an 
assistant  to  hold  it  up  for  you,  while  he  at  the  same  time 
holds  the  colt  by  the  halter  or  bridle.  Tie  the  end  of  a 
rope  or  strap  around  the  hind  foot,  above  the  fetlock,  at  the 
instant  of  doing  which  let  the  hand  glide  along  to  the  oppo- 
site part,  until  six  or  eight  feet  from  the  foot.  At  the  same 
time  request  the  forward  foot  to  be  let  loose,  the  assistant 
holding  by  the  halter.  Now  pull  upon  the  strap,  which 
will  bring  the  foot  forward,  and  at  the  instant  of  attempting 
to  kick,  let  go,  and  so  repeat  until  the  foot  is  submitted  to 
the  restraint  of  strap.  Then  slip  behind  and  pull  the  foot 
back,  and  as  before  yielding  at  each  effort  to  kick,  let  go, 
until  the  foot  is  submitted  freely.  Now  take  the  foot  from 
the  control  of  the  strap  to  the  hand  and  handle  gently. 

If  there  is  very  determined  resistance,  tie  the  end  of  your 
long  strap  around  the  neck,  near  the  shoulders,  pass  the 
other  end  back  between  the  fore  legs,  around  the  hind  foot, 
but  under  the  strap  around  the  neck,  and  draw  up  on  it,  at 
the  same  time  holding  him  by  the  bridle  or  halter.  The 
colt  may  be  frightened  and  jump  to  get  clear  of  the  res- 
traint. Should  he  act  very  much  frightened,  slack  up  on 


56  HANDLING   THE    COLT'S    FEET. 

the  strap  until  the  foot  is  almost  back  to  its  natural  posi- 
tion. Then  as  he  will  bear,  again  pull  a  little  shorter,  at 
the  same  time  pulling  him  round  in  a  circle  by  the  head, 
until  he  ceases  struggling  to  get  the  foot  loose.  You  may 
now  pull  the  foot  farther  forward,  and  hold  it  as  before, 
until  he  will  stand  quietly.  Now  step  back  a  little  and  pass 
the  hand  down  the  hind  leg.  Slap  the  hand  upon  the  leg 
a  little  until  there  is  no  resistance,  then  take  it  in  the  hands. 
If  there  is  no  resistance,  undo  the  end  of  the  strap  and 
allow  the  foot  a  little  more  freedom;  at  the  same  time  while 
holding  the  foot  by  the  strap,  pass  the  hand  from  the  hip 
down  the  leg  quietly,  rubbing  and  caressing  until  able  to 
take  it  in  the  hands. 

Handle  the  opposite  leg  in  the  same  manner,  until  there 
is  perfect  submission.  Should  the  colt  resist  having  the 
feet  handled  with  much  determination,  or  prove  very 
vicious,  the  regular  subjective  treatment  will  be  necessary. 
Those  of  a  wildish  mustang  disposition  are  the  most  obsti- 
nate; there  is  once  in  a  while  one  of  this  class  that  will  call 
for  pretty  thorough  and  patient  treatment  to  make  gentle. 
They  are  not  only  so  plucky,  but  so  strong  and  enduring 
that  they  are  disposed  to  resist  control  of  the  feet  at  all 
hazards.  It  is  of  great  importance  that  colts  are  treated 
with  great  kindness;  giving  apples,  a  little  oats,  etc.,  after 
submitting  the  feet  or  being  otherwise  handled,  as  the  real 
cause  of  trouble  is  fear,  and  winning  the  confidence  by  a 
little  flattery  in  this  way  has  a  powerful  effect  in  disconcert- 
ing the  attention  and  winning  the  confidence,  and  thus  of 
teaching  obedience.  All  this  is  now  so  easily  done  when 
necessary  by  the  ordinary  subjective  course,  that  it  seems 
needless  to  dwell  on  minor  conditions  and  details ;  you 
must  bear  in  mind  that  bad  cases  call  for  a  little  work  and 
patience,  and  that  you  must  be  not  only  thorough,  but  pru- 
dent, to  be  successful. 


EXCESSIVE  FEAR-CAUSES  AND  TREAT- 
MENT OF. 


FEAR  requires  more  than  a  passing  notice.  It  is  the  cause, 
or  principle  one,  of  the  most  dangerous  and  difficult  habits 
to  break  up,  showing  a  disease  of  the  mind,  or  mania,  and 
as  such  its  consideration  is  at  the  foundation  of  the  princi- 
pal bad  habits  to  which  horses  are  subject.  Fear  causes  the 
colt  to  resist  control,  to  kick,  run  away,  resist  an  umbrella, 
robe,  cars,  and  all  unusual  objects  and  sounds.  These 
marked  derangements  are  often  the  result  of  causes  in 
themselves  of  a  trifling  character. 

Thus,  a  colt  is  suddenly  excited  by  the  appearance  of  an 
umbrella,  and  it  is  afterwards  an  object  of  terror  to  him.  A 
horse  may  be  driven  for  months,  or  even  years,  but  at  some; 
unlooked-for  moment  the  breeching  perhaps  breaks,  allowing- 
the  shafts  or  cross-pieces  to  strike  the  heels,  perhaps  causing 
the  unsuspecting  animal  to  spring,  kick  and  run  away. 
The  impression  by  this  one  act  makes  a  wagon  an  object  of 
terror,  and  he  refuses  contact  with  it  afterwards,  and  thus 


58  EXCESSIVE    FEAR. 

through  all  the  ramifications  of  character,  the  same  in- 
tensity of  fear  and  resistance  is  shown  to  a  greater  or  less 
degree,  in  proportion  to  the  sensibility  of  the  animal  and 
the  intensity  of  impression  made  upon  the  mind.  The  in- 
tensity of  the  impression  may  be  even  so  great  as  to  destroy 
life.  Several  instances  of  such  a  fatal  result  have  been 
brought  to  my  notice.  In  Ligonier,  Ind.,  a  few  years  ago, 
a  fine  horse  dropped  dead  from  excessive  fear  of  the  cars. 
Such  an  occurrence  took  place  in  Chicago  a  few  years  since, 
and  during  the  burning  of  that  city  one  such  instance  has 
been  authenticated. 

All  impressions,  it  is  supposed,  are  made  upon  a  series  of 
concentric  nerves  in  a  certain  location  of  the  brain,  called 
ganglise,  which  retain  and  throw  them  off  by  reflex  action 
under  like  circumstances.  Being  of  a  primary  character, 
when  excessive  in  strength,  they  subvert  and  control  the 
reason,  and  thus  the  character  is  strongly  marked,  if  not 
controlled  by  them. 

Hence  the  many  instances  of  insane  fear  and  resistance 
resulting  from  being  once  frightened. 

I  could  refer  to  many  instances  of  such  insanity  coming 
under  my  own  observation.  A  bay  mare,  owned  in  Green 
Castle,  Pa.,  in  1865,  was  entirely  fearless  of  all  objects  but 
a  robe,  the  appearance  of  which  would  make  her  furious. 
When  seen  at  a  distance  of  thirty  feet,  she  became  so  reck- 
less as  to  break  away  from  all  restraint,  plunged  against  a 
heavy  door,  breaking  it  down,  and  ran  away.  When  brought 
back,  I  took  her  in  hand.  When  shown  even  a  corner  of 
the  robe  at  a  distance  of  twenty  feet,  she  would  plunge, 
squeal,  strike  and  kick  in  the  most  reckless  manner.  The 
shock  to  her  nervous  system  was  so  great  that  I  feared  she 
would  not  bear  it,  and  it  was  only  by  the  most  careful  treat- 
ment I  was  able  in  forty  minutes  to  bring  it  near  and  throw  it 
upon  her,  and  ultimately  she  did  not  care  anything  about  it. 
When  in  Cleveland,  an  interesting  case  of  this  character, 
owned  by  Dr.  Keegan,  was  brought  me.  Many  years  before, 
when  standing  in  the  street,  the  wind  blew  a  blanket  from 
the  horse's  back,  falling  under  him,  and  it  so  frightened  him 
that  ever  afterwards  a  blanket  could  not  be  brought  near 
him.  This  horse  was  entirely  fearless  of  all  other  objects, 
could  be  driven  up  to  cars,  but  a  blanket  was  to  him  an 
object  of  the  greatest  terror,  resisting  its  appearance  by 


EXCESSIVE    FEAR.  59 

kicking,  striking  and  even  squealing,  in  his  phrenzy  to  get 
away  from  it.  With  a  little  care  I  succeeded  in  breaking 
up  the  impression  so  effectually,  that  he  allowed  a  blanket 
on  him  afterwards.  We  see,  in  all  cases,  that  excessive 
feat  is  excited  by  forcing  or  bringing  the  object  to  notice 
too  quickly  or  unexpectedly,  causing  so  intense  an  excite- 
ment of  the  fears  as  to  derange  the  understanding.  If,  in 
the  first  place,  these  derangements  are  the  result  of  shocking 
the  nervous  system  by  the  suddenness  and  violence  of  the 
impression,  the  prevention  of  such  derangements  can  be 
secured  by  bringing  objects  and  sounds  liable  to  excite,  to 
notice  slowly;  and,  SECOND,  in  overcoming  them,  that 
there  is  power  to  control  physical  resistance  at  will,  to 
enable  convincing  the  reason  of  the  harmless  character  of 
the  object  or  sound.  The  feelings  become  blunted  by  the 
presence  or  repeated  contact  with  the  object  or  sound.  The 
greatest  causes  of  danger  cease  to  attract  notice  by  familiar- 
ity with  them.  The  family  living  on  a  by-road  in  the 
country,  who  would  notice  every  one  going  by  in  their 
isolated  position,  in  &  city  where  people  pass  almost  con- 
stantly, would  soon  become  unmindful  of  even  greater 
causes  of  excitement.  The  principle  is  the  same  with 
horses.  Hence,  omnibus,  hack  or  other  horses  that  are 
almost  constantly  in  the  vicinity  of  the  cars  soon  become 
unmindful  of  them,  the  exception  being  those  of  a  very 
sensitive  character,  or  by  being  greatly  frightened  at  first. 
Hence,  military  horses  that  are  forced  to  submit  to  the 
firing  of  small  arms,  cannons,  drums,  etc.,  soon  become 
regardless  of  such  excessive  noises  and  excitement,  and 
soon  become  perfectly  gentle  and  obedient  to  control 
under  such  circumstances.  It  is  common,  too,  for  horses 
that  are  very  sensitive  in  the  country  when  subjected  to  the 
constant  bewildering  excitement  of  a  city  to  become  as  un- 
mindful of  what  is  passing  around  them,  as  others  accus- 
tomed to  use  in  such  a  locality.  The  change  of  character, 
too,  that  may  be  produced  by  proper  subjective  treatment,  is 
remarkable,  many  marked  proofs  of  which  I  have  illustrated 
in  my  own  practice.  To  one  marked  case  I  will  here  refer : 
In  October,  1868,  a  six  year  old  horse,  owned  by  A. 
Smawley,  of  Petroleum  Centre,  Pa.,  was  brought  to  me  for 
treatment.  This  horse  was  of  so  remarkably  wild  and  des- 
perate a  character  that  he  was  known  by  the  name  of 


60  TREATMENT   OF   FEAR. 

"Wild  Pete."  He  would  scringe  and  jump  at  the  least 
touch  or  appearance  of  anything  strange;  he  would  not 
stand  to  be  cleaned,  could  not  be  harnessed,  and  to  attempt 
putting  him  in  shafts  would  excite  the  utmost  desperation, 
jumping  and  kicking  clear  of  restraint  at  all  hazards.  He 
was  one  of  the  most  desperate  acting  horses  of  the  kind  I 
ever  saw.  Indeed,  anything  touching  him  behind,  even  a 
touch  of  a  whip,  would  make  him  jump  and  kick  regardless 
of  consequences.  Yet,  after  subjecting  him  to  two  ener- 
getic lessons  of  less  than  an  hour  each,  I  could  drive  him 
to  my  buggy  with  perfect  safety,  and  he  could  not  be  made 
to  kick  or  resist  control.  So  perfectly  docile  did  he 
become,  that  he  was  let  for  driving  in  the  livery,  and  has 
proved  a  very  superior  and  safe  carriage  horse.  As  a  rule, 
however,  constitutionally  timid  horses  yield  slowly,  and 
require  careful  as  well  as  thorough  treatment.  I  could  refer 
to  many  interesting  illustrations  of  this  character  did  space 
permit. 

The  rule  should  be,  not  to  excite  the  mind  excessively 
from  any -cause,  and  to  gradually,  as  the  animal  will  bear, 
bring  the  object  to  notice,  at  the  same  time  associating  with 
such  causes  of  fear  the  greatest  kindness  by  giving  presents 
of  anything  of  which  fond. 

If  there  is  much  resistance  or  danger,  physical  control  is 
to  be  made  undoubtedly  by  the  course  of  subjection,  hold- 
ing your  point  until  perfectly  successful,  repeating  the 
treatment  until  all  resistance  ceases.  The  better  to  give  a 
practical  understanding  of  details,  I  will  include  in  this 
connection  the  treatment  in  accustoming  to  a  few  of  the 
most  common  objects  of  fear,  which  will  enable  an  under- 
standing of  the  treatment  necessary  for  anything  else. 

A  KOBE. 

While  held  under  careful  restraint,  let  the  robe  be  brought 
up  gently  to  the  colt's  nose.  After  smelling  and  feeling  of 
it  in  his  own  way  until  satisfied,  rub  it  gently  against  the 
head,  neck  and  body,  the  way  the  hair  lies,  as  he  will  bear. 
Then  stand  off  a  little  and  throw  it  across  the  back,  over 
the  neck  and  head,  gradually  stepping  farther,  until  you  can 
throw  the  robe  upon  him  as  you  please.  Repeat  the  lesson 
several  times. 


TREATMENT   OF   FEAR.  61 

AN  UMBKELLA  OB  PARASOL. 

While  holding  the  colt  by  the  halter  or  bridle,  as  may  be 
necessary,  bring  the  umbrella  to  his  nose  gently,  rub  it 
against  the  head,  neck  and  body,  as  he  will  bear,  spreading 
it  a  little,  repeating  the  process  of  rubbing,  and  so  continue 
gaining  little  by  little,  until  you  can  raise  the  umbrella  over 
the  head,  and  pass  it  around  the  animal  as  you  please, 
without  exciting  fear  or  resistance. 

SOUND  OF  A  GUN. 

First,  commence  by  snapping  caps  a  short  distance  from 
the  horse,  gradually,  as  he  will  bear,  approaching  nearer, 
until  you  can  snap  caps  while  the  gun  is  resting  upon  the 
back,  over  the  head,  etc.  Then  put  in  a  little  powder,  and 
at  each  repetition  increase  the  charge  until  you  can  fire  off 
a  heavy  load  without  exciting  fear. 

RAILROAD  CARS. 

Let  the  animal  see  them  at  rest,  then  gradually  lead  or 
drive  him  up  to  them,  even  to  smelling  them  with  his  nose. 
Now,  as  you  have  an  opportunity,  drive  the  horse  around 
while  they  are  moving,  working  up  nearer  as  you  can,  and 
at  the  same  time  turning  him  around  so  that  he  can  see  and 
hear  them  from  different  directions.  This  lesson  should  be 
often  repeated,  being  careful  not  to  crowd  beyond  what  the 
colt  will  easily  bear,  until  they  cease  to  attract  his  serious 
attention. 

OBJECTS  EXCITING  FEAR  WHILE  RIDING 
OR  DRIVING. 

Should  the  horse  show  fear  of  a  stone  or  stump,  or  any- 
thing of  the  kind,  he  will  naturally  stop  and  stare  at  the 
object  in  an  excited  manner.  Should  the  cause  of  fear  be 
great  and  sudden,  he  may  attempt  to  turn  round  and  run 
away.  This  is  to  be  guarded  against,  by  sitting  well  for- 
ward on  the  seat,  and  taking  a  short  hold  of  the  reins,  at 
the  same  time  speaking  calmly  and  encouragingly  to  the 
horse.  Bear  in  mind  the  horse  has  a  great  advantage  over 
you,  that  his  excitement  is  liable  to  precipitate  his  whole 


62  TREATMENT   OF    FEAR. 

strength  against  you  at  the  least  sense  of  freedom,  or  addi- 
tional cause  of  excitement ;  that  once  resisting  control  in 
this  position,  he  will  try  to  do  so  again  at  all  hazards,  under 
like  circumstances. 

Speak  encouragingly  to  the  horse,  but  keep  a  close  watch 
upon  his  actions.  In  a  short  time  the  extent  of  his  alarm 
will  not  only  be  perceptibly  lessened,  but  he  will  become 
calmer,  and  almost  disregard  the  object.  Then  drive  nearer 
as  he  will  bear,  exercising  the  same  patience  and  care.  At 
each  effort  to  get  nearer,  the  horse  will  become  apparently 
as  much  frightened  as  at  first.  Keep  pushing  a  little  at  a 
time  in  this  way,  as  the  horse  will  bear,  until  you  can  drive 
up  to  the  object,  or  by  it,  and  you  not  only  leave  no  bad 
impression  upon  the  mind,  but  gradually  overcome  the  dis- 
position to  become  frightened. 

Sometimes  a  horse  will  dislike  a  wheelbarrow,  baby  wa- 
gon, turkeys,  etc.,  but  the  treatment  is  the  same.  When 
the  excitement  is  not  so  great  as  to  endanger  successful 
resistance,  and  the  horse  is  disposed  to  "playoff,  or  sol- 
dier, ' '  it  may  be  advisable  to  apply  the  whip  a  little  sharply, 
but  this  is  to  be  avoided  when  it  is  seen  the  resistance  is 
wholly  induced  by  fear,  and  the  animal  is  not  lazy. 

Some  horses  while  driven  to  carriages,  will  not  bear  the 
noise  and  excitement  of  other  horses  being  driven  up  be- 
hind. This  is  principally  on  account  of  the  horse's  inability 
to  see  and  understand  the  cause  of  the  excitement,  or  it 
may  be  owing  to  the  fault  of  the  driver.  Some  one  drives 
up  rapidly  behind,  perhaps  wishes  to  "go  by,"  to  prevent 
which  the  colt  is  hallooed  at  and  whipped  up  to  prevent 
such  a  result.  This  may  be  repeated  a  few  times,  and  the 
consequence  is,  if  a  spirited  horse,  the  habit  is  acquired  of 
rushing  ahead  to  avoid  the  punishment  expected  under  such 
circumstances,  and  very  often,  too,  a  horse  is  forced  into 
this  habit  by  being  run  into  from  behind. 

CTSING  BLINDERS. 

It  must  be  remembered  that  the  blinders  in  general  use 
so  cover  up  the  eyes  as  to  make  it  impossible  for  the  horse 
to  see  things  plainly  sidewise,  or  at  all  from  behind,  which 
tends  to  increase  the  fear,  as  we  are  convinced,  when  we 
see  that  to  overcome  the  animal's  fear  of  any  object,  the 


TREATMENT   OF    FEAR.  G3 

first  and  most  obvious  point  is  to  give  him  an  understand- 
ing of  its  appearance  and  character.  Blinders  are  admissible 
only  when  there  is  a  desire  to  conceal  the  defects  of  a  large 
head,  and  to  cause  a  naturally  lazy  horse  to  drive  steadily, 
by  preventing  him  from  seeing  when  the  whip  is  about  to 
be  applied. 

MUST  SEE  THE  OBJECT  FROM  DIFFERENT 
POSITIONS. 

It  is  one  of  the  peculiarities  of  the  horse  to  understand 
and  be  reconciled  to  an  object  or  cause  of  excitement  only 
from  its  position  and  circumstances  as  brought  to  his 
notice.  This  seems  to  be  on  account  of  the  horse's  rea- 
soning powers  being  so  limited  as  to  be  unable  to  retain 
the  same  understanding  of  the  object  beyond  the  position 
from  which  it  is  brought  to  notice. 

Every  progressive  change  of  position  requires  almost  the 
same  care  and  patience  as  that  preceding.  For  example, 
if  in  teaching  a  horse  to  submit  to  an  umbrella,  if  it  were 
shown  only  from  the  near  side,  upon  carrying  it  to  the  off 
side,  would  inspire  nearly  as  much  fear  as  at  first  from  the 
near  side,  or  there  may  be  an  aversion  to  some  particular 
object,  or  resistance  may  be  inspired  only  under  certain 
circumstances.  You  may  succeed  in  getting  a  colt  gentle 
to  be  rode  from  the  near  ride,  but  an  attempt  to  mount  him 
from  the  offside,  wonld  in  all  probability  be  resisted. 

If  a  horse  is  afraid  of  an  umbrella  while  in  harness,  he 
may  be  taught  to  care  nothing  about  it  out  of  harness,  but 
if  not  taught  to  feel  and  understand  its  character  in  harness, 
would  be  apt  to  be  as  much  frightened  at  it  in  that  position, 
as  if  he  knew  nothing  about  it. 

This  seems  to  puzzle  many  well-meaning  men,  and  is 
often  the  cause  of  much  disappointment. 

A  horse  that  is  afraid  of  an  umbrella,  is  brought  forward 
to  illustrate  the  management  of  such  habits.  In  a  short 
time  the  horse  will  bear  the  umbrella  over  and  around  him 
in  any  manner,  without  seeming  to  care  anything  about  it. 
The  owner  is  pleased  with  the  belief  that  his  horse  is  bro- 
ken, when  in  harness  at  some  future  time,  he  raises  an 
umbrella  behind  the  animal,  and  is  astonished  to  find  him 
almost  as  bad  as  ever,  and  he  is  disappointed.  But  when 


C4  TREATMENT   OF   FEAR. 

it  is  seen  in  the  first  place  that  it  is  often  necessary  to 
repeat  the  treatment,  that  expecting  the  animal  to  be  broken 
of  the  habit  by  a  single  indirect  lesson,  only  tends  to  defeat 
success.  For  without  ability  to  control  the  horse,  every 
attempt  to  force  upon  him  the  object  of  aversion  only 
inspires  greater  resistance,  because  taught  to  a  still  greater 
degree  to  resist  control,  and  a  sense  of  freedom  always  tends 
to  increase  the  animal's  fear  of  the  object.  Now  the  efforts 
of  the  owner  to  control  the  horse  directly  in  a  position  of 
so  great  disadvantage,  may  produce  exactly  this  result,  and 
then  from  an  ignorance  of  the  cause  of  failure,  believes  it  is 
impossible  to  overcome  the  habit. 

The  lesson  must  be  repeated,  as  long  as  may  be  necessary 
to  the  end  of  perfect  success,  or  the  horse  once  excited  is 
liable  to  drift  back  to  being  almost  as  bad  as  before. 


SUBJECTION. 


EDUCATING  horses  successfully,  implies  showing  and  teach- 
ing what  is  required  to  be  done  in  such  a  plain,  practical 
manner,  that  the  horse  is  made  to  understand  clearly  what 
to  do.  This  implies  showing  by  actions,  when  he  does 
right  or  wrong,  restraining  or  reproving  for  resistance  or 
doing  wrong,  and  caressing  and  rewarding  for  doing  right, 
repeating  with  patience  until  the  animal  can  understand  the 
meaning  and  object  of  his  restraint,  that  he  is  not  to  be 
hurt  and  only  required  to  do  what  he  is  commanded.  This 
is  an  absolutely  necessary  condition,  as  horses  do  not 
understand  articulated  language,  and  cannot  understand 
what  to  do  unless  shown.  Hence,  we  caress  and  reward 
by  giving  something  to  eat  of  which  the  animal  is  fond, 
learning  him  to  associate  kindness  and  freedom  from  pain, 
by  yielding  obedient  to  demands  made  upon  him.  But  it 
is  seen  all  horses  are  not  gentle  enough  to  be  approached 
and  handled  to  enable  doing  this.  That  a  man  has  not 
strength  enough  to  control  or  restrain  a  wild  or  vicious 
horse  with  any  degree  of  safety  or  certainty.  To  make 
such  so  gentle  and  submissive  to  control,  that  they  can  be 
safely  and  easily  handled  and  educated,  constitutes  the 
science  of  subjection. 

EXCITEMENT  NOT  ADMISSIBLE. 

There  is  one  law  in  the  subjection  of  horses  requiring 
special  attention,  and  that  is,  that  the  more  excitement 
caused  in  forcing  obedience,  the  greater  and  more  persis- 
tent must  be  the  resistance.  The  object  being  now  to  fix 
upon  the  mind  such  an  impression  of  power  as  to  make  the 
animal  passive  to  control;  at  the  same  time  not  only 
intensifying  the  impression  by  such  treatment  as  will  cause 
the  most  pain,  in  exact  proportion  to  the  resistance  made, 
but  appealing  to  the  reason  and  better  part  of  the  nature  as 
directly  and  forcibly  by  acts  of  kindness ;  but  if  in  doing 
this  the  passions  are  excited,  proportionate  resistance  must 
result,  which  may,  in  the  more  plucky  peculiarities  of 


C6  SUBJECTION. 

disposition,  endanger  breaking  down  the  animal  to  over- 
come ;  and  even  though  there  is  submission  to  force,  there 
is  likely  to  be  renewed  resistance  after  the  exhaustion,  or 
the  animal  becomes  cool,  unless  the  better  nature  is  imme- 
diately won  into  cooperation  of  the  efforts  by  kind  encour- 
aging treatment.  Hence,  when  it  is  desired  to  bring  all 
the  powers  of  the  animal  into  play,  we  see  the  blood  is 
warmed  up  either  by  stimulants  or  exercise. 

Trotting  horses  are  exercised  before  racing;  if  animals 
desired  to  fight  are  not  in  the  mood,  they  are  provoked 
until  excited ;  men  who  are  under  the  influence  of  liquor, 
or  from  any  cause  are  excited,  would  fight  with  a  reckless- 
ness they  could  not  be  induced  to  do  when  sober  and  the 
blood  cool,  consequently  there  must  and  will  be  increased 
resistance  to  the  degree,  the  bad  part  of  the  nature  is 
excited. 

This  is  what  Rarey  and  others  tried  to  accomplish  and 
evade  by  the  different  methods  introduced,  of  controlling 
horses  such  as  lever  bits,  checking  the  head  high,  tying  up 
one  or  both  legs  and  throwing  the  horse  down.  That 
shown  by  Rarey  (disabling  and  throwing)  being  the  simplest 
and  valued  most  highly,  the  object  being  to  exhibit  physical 
power  to  the  mind,  but  if  the  horse  happened  to  be  of  a 
sulky,  stubborn  disposition,  passively  submitting  to  the 
force  to  which  subjected,  the  impression  of  power  would 
not  be  adequate,  and  if  very  vicious  could  not  be  made 
sufficiently  positive  to  ensure  anything  like  uniform  success, 
especially  in  the  breaking  up  of  such  habits  as  balking, 
kicking,  running  away,  etc. 

Were  it  admissible  to  subdue  horses  by  lowering  their 
strength,  success  would  be  easy,  as  this  can  be  and  often  is 
done  by  any  of  the  following  means,  such  as  bleeding,  phy- 
sicking, want  of  sleep,  violent  exercise,  pain,  starving,  want 
of  water,  etc.,  that  will  lower  the  strength  and  depress  the 
energies,  will  accomplish  the  same  end. 

CHILIAN  AND  SOUTH  AMERICAN  METHODS. 

It  is  on  this  principle  tliat  the  people  of  South  America 
break  horses;  they  catch  the  wild  horse  with  the  lasso, 
throw  him  to  the  ground,  saddle  and  bridle  him,  then  ride 
the  animal  with  whip  and  spur  until  exhausted  and  submis- 


CHILIAN    AND    SOUTH   AMERICAN    METHODS.  67 

sive,  they  then  square  off  the  ends  of  the  hair  of  the  tail  to 
indicate  that  the  horse  is  broken,  and  again  turn  him  loose. 
The  Indians  on  our  western  plains  practice  the  same  plan. 
The  Chilians  tie  the  refractory  horse  in  the  stall  and  apply 
the  whip  right  and  left  until  he  lies  down  or  falls  down 
from  weakness;  the  horse  is  then  tried,  and  if  refractory 
the  process  is  continued  until  he  becomes  gentle.  The 
same  process  is  practiced  by  certain  traveling  horsemen  in 
this  country;  turning  the  wild  or  green  colt  loose  in  a  small 
enclosure  and  applying  the  whip  until  submissive.  Of 
course  a  horse  must  be  whipped  terribly  to  force  obedience 
in  this  way,  and  in  the  treatment  of  some  is  liable  to  sour 
and  spoil  the  temper.  The  farmer  has  learned  that  if  he 
can  tire  and  exhaust  a  colt  he  is  much  less  sensitive,  not 
likely  to  kick  or  attempt  resisting  control.  Horses  that  are 
worked  hard  or  after  a  hard  journey  are  much  less  sensitive 
or  excitable  than  after  being  idle  for  some  time.  The 
exceptions  being  (for  there  are  exceptions)  those  of  pecu- 
liarly excitable,  hardy  nature,  that  seem  to  increase  in 
energy  as  they  are  warmed  up. 

The  usual  course  in  this  country  is  to  put  the  harness  on 
the  green  colt,  after  perhaps  being  bitted  by  checking  up 
tightly,  which  is  repeated  a  few  times.  The  colt  is 
attached  by  the  side  of  a  gentle  horse,  allowed  to  go  and 
wear  in  to  becoming  accustomed  to  the  harness  and  obe- 
dient to  the  control  of  the  bit.  The  excitement  and 
possible  resistance  induced  by  this  course  without  adequate 
ability  to  control  by  the  reins  or  bit,  leads  to  the  many 
habits  of  balking,  kicking,  running  away,  fear,  etc.,  in  har- 
ness. Should  the  animal  become  frightened  or  resist 
violently  without  adequate  precaution  or  power  to  prevent 
resistance,  some  one  of  the  many  bad  habits  to  which 
horses  are  subject  is  produced.  These  results,  it  is  seen,  I 
can  easily  prevent  and  overcome  by  my  treatment,  which 
enables  accomplishing  the  end  desired  in  the  simplest,  most 
practical  and  humane  manner,  thereby  enabling  me  to  con- 
trol even  almost  at  will,  horses  of  the  most  vicious  and  des- 
perate character. 


68  SUBJECTION. 

IMPRESSION  UPON  THE  BBAIN. 

As  it  is  the  impression  that  is  made  directly  upon  the 
mind  that  controls  and  moves  the  animal;  it  is  not  only 
necessary  to  control  the  animal  at  will,  showing  exactly 
what  is  required  to  be  done,  but  that  the  cooperation  of 
the  better  part  of  the  nature  is  won  by  the  kindest  and 
most  encouraging  treatment,  and  which  constitutes  the 
next  most  powerful  lever  of  making  horses  docile  and  man- 
ageable. Indeed,  a  proper  application  of  the  efforts  with 
the  advantage  only  of  kind,  encouraging  treatment  will 
enable  of  itself  to  show  very  successful  results,  and  is  abso- 
lutely indispensable  in  the  treatment  of  sensitive  or 
naturally  wild  horses.  I  show  not  only  just  how  to 
guide  and  control  the  horse  to  any  extreme  desired,  but 
hold  this  control  with  scarcely  an  effort,  by  encouraging 
obedience  through  the  feelings  in  the  most  powerful 
manner.  Now  throwing  or  any  of  the  treatment  in  gen- 
eral use  will  not  enable  this  with  any  certainty;  but  throw- 
ing is  a  valuable  auxiliary,  and  properly  done,  enables 
creating  a  very  strong  impression  upon  the  mind  of  some 
horses.  I  will  here  give  the  details  of  the  proper  method  of 
doing  it. 

First,  have  made  a  strong  leather  surcingle,  long  enough 
to  go  around  the  body  of  the  horse,  to  which  have  attached 
a  strong  back  strap  and  crouper.  On  the  off  side  of  the 
surcingle,  about  eight  inches  from  the  back,  have  a  two- 
inch  ring;  from  this  ring  to  the  back  strap  at  the  hip  have 
a  strong  double  strap  extend.  Now  put  on  this  harness, 
which  will  be  like  a  bitting  harness. 

Next  take  a  common  name  strap,  pass  around  the  near 
fore  leg  and  over  the  surcingle,  buckling  only  short  enough 
to  allow  the  foot  to  come  in  a  horizontal  position,  or  the 
strap  can  be  tied  around  the  arm  and  foot.  This  done, 
take  a  cord  eighteen  or  twenty  feet  long,  of  the  strongest 
kind  you  can  get,  about  fo  incn  in  size>  if  strong  enough; 
tie  the  end  into  a  knot ;  about  twenty  inches  from  this  end 
make  another  simple  knot,  but  do  not  draw  it  tight.  Now 
pass  this  end  over  the  neck,  put  the  end  knot  through  the 
tie,  or  other  knot,  and  draw  close.  The  object  is  to  have 
the  cord  fit  around  the  neck  some  distance  from  the  head. 
Pass  the  other  end  of  the  cord  through  the  ring  in  the  side 


WORST   HORSES. 


69 


of  the  surcingle ;  at  the  same  time  let  the  cord  at  the  other 
end  extend  through  the  mouth.  When  the  cord  is  now 
drawn  tight  it  will  be  seen  to  pass  from  the  neck  through 
the  mouth  back  through  the  ring,  and  by  pulling  on  the  end 
held  in  the  hand  the  head  will  be  drawn  to  the  side.  The 
leg  on  the  opposite  side  being  tied  up,  when  the  cord  is 
pulled  upon  the  horse  must  roll  over  on  his  side.  This  plan 
will  enable  throwing  a  horse  very  easily,  and  will  enable 
doing  all  that  is  possible  to  do  by  this  principle  of  sub- 
jection. 

This  principle  of  subjection  does  not  work  well  in  the 
control  of  horses  of  a  naturally  sulky,  mulish  disposition. 
Hence  it  will  be  found,  balkers,  very  determined  kickers, 
and  especially  those  showing  the  positive  reckless  temper 
of  the  mustang  nature,  will  resist  it,  and  constitutes  only 
one  good  step  in  exhibiting  physical  control,  though  not 
so  reliable  or  effective  as  the  other  treatment  (shown  and 
illustrated  in  my  lecture.) 


WORST  HOBSBS. 

The  dull  gray,  bright 
sorrel,  and  nervous 
tempered  black,  and 
sometimes  a  bay,  if 
showing  much  of  the 
wild  nature,  will  ex- 
hibit the  most  plucky 
resistance.  If  the 
eyes  are  small,  set 
well  into  the  head, 
ears  long,  inclined  to 
lop  back,  head  flat  or 
nearly  so  between  the 
ears,  head  rather  nar- 
row and  long,  you  will 
find  if  wild  or  vicious, 
the  most  determined 
resistance,  usually  acting  very  sulky  and  indifferent  to  the 
whip  or  other  means  of  pain,  as  the  blood  becomes 
warmed  up. 

The  second  course  of  subjection  works  best  in  the  control 


Bad  Disposition. 


70 


SUBJECTION. 


of  this  temperament.  The  first  may  be  tried,  but  in  the 
event  of  great  resistance  and  the  animal  becoming  very 
warm,  give  sufficient  rest  to  permit  the  blood  to  become 
cool,  when  you  will  easily  succeed  by  working  carefully  and 
thoroughly,  encouraging  obedience  by  kindness. 

The  naturally  sulky,  wild,  desperate  disposition,  very 
rare,  but  always  shown  by  a  middling  large  eye,  well  formed 
head  and  countenance;  the  ears  are  thrown  back,  the  eye 

sullen,  requires  the 
most  care  and  thor- 
oughness, and  must 
not  be  hurried  too 
much,  and  not  at  all 
if  greatly  warmed 
up,  as  such,  under 
such  circumstances, 
become  intensely 
reckless.  If  kickers 
or  balkers,  perplex- 
ingly  sullen  and  de- 
termined, passive 
treatment  will  en- 
able controlling  such 

Sensitive  and  Flighty.  easily,     always     en- 

couraging    all     you 

can  for  obedience  by  caressing  and  giving  presents  of 
apples,  oats,  &c.,  &c.,  and  above  all,  you  are  not  on  any 
condition,  to  stop  as  soon  as  the  animal  submits.  Keep  at 
work  now,  treating  in  the  kindest  manner  until  the  nervous 
system  becomes  cool,  and  the  horse  is  fully  reconciled  to 
your  control. 

You  are  not  to  consider  a  horse  broken  because  submis- 
sive to  control  after  being  handled  once.  Test  carefully 
after  getting  cool,  and  if  necessary,  repeating  until  certain 
of  success. 

Let  me  impress  upon  you  here  the  necessity  of  being 
thorough.  It  is  not  by  any  means  safe  to  be  otherwise. 
Make  it  your  business  to  do  well  what  you  attempt  to  do. 
A  man  of  much  less  than  ordinary  ability  can  accomplish 
almost  wonders  by  trying  and  being  thorough.  The  man 
who  will  not  try,  and  not  only  try,  but  be  persevering,  is 
not  worthy  of  success. 


WORST    HORSES.  71 

The  greatest  cause  of  failure,  will  be  want  of  care  and 
patient  perseverance.  If  we  can  force  and  win  the  obe- 
dience of  a  horse  in  a  given  time,  that  is  the  treatment 
to  pursue  to  insure  perfect  success  in  the  reformation  of  that 
animal.  Like  the  doing  of  anything  else,  work  enough 
must  be  done  to  secure  the  end  aimed  at  with  certainty. 
A  horse  may  submit  to  control  in  the  most  perfect  manner 
after  a  course  of  treatment,  yet  not  be  half  broken.  More 
or  less  repetition  of  the  treatment,  with  careful,  prudent, 
encouraging  management  will  be  necessary  to  insure  that 
uniform  success  in  the  performance  of  this  great  duty, 
which  its  delicacy  and  importance  demands. 


BREAKING  HORSES,  ETC. 


RUNNING-  AWAY. 

THIS  habit  may  be  induced  by  a  great  variety  of  causes — 
principally  by  becoming  frightened  in  some  way,  though 
often  by  the  horse  learning  to  pull  against  the  bit  so  hard  as 
to  defy  control,  and  therefore  at  the  least  cause  of  irritation 
disposed  to  pull  ahead  and  run  away.  When  actuated  by 
fear,  the  resistance  is  usually  so  sudden  and  violent  as  to 
induce  a  degree  of  resistance  to  the  restraint  of  the  bit  we 
have  not  power  to  prevent  or  control.  Sometimes,  too, 
the  horse  will  spring  sidewise,  or  turn  around  in  doing  this, 
and  will  so  learn  the  trick  that  at  the  least  excitement  he 
will  spring  into  a  sharp  run.  All  this  resistance,  it  is  seen, 
results  from  defective  training  of  the  mouth,  and  is  virtu- 
ally surmounted  when  able  to  force  so  great  a  degree  of 
control  by  the  bit  as  to  break  up  all  disposition  to  resist 
restraint  when  excited. 

Running  away  is  a  very  serious  and  dangerous  habit,  and 
all  such  predisposition  should  be  thoroughly  broken  up 
when  manifested.  If  very  bad,  tone  down  resistance  by 
subjecting  the  animal  to  a  course  of  subjection;  after  which 
put  on  the  breaking  bit  and  force  the  most  thorough  sub- 
mission to  the  slightest  restraint  of  the  reins. 

Let  this  be  very  thoroughly  done.  Then  hitch  to  wagon, 
making  the  horse  stop  whenever  called  upon  or  pulled  upon 
by  the  reins,  until  there  is  no  disposition  to  resist,  though 
subjected  to  the  greatest  excitement,  as  there  is  once  in  a 
while  a  horse  that  will  try  with  all  the  courage  and  pluck  of 
desperation  to  run  away  after  once  learning  the  habit,  and 
it  is  so  important  that  the  greatest  docility  and  submission 
of  the  animal  is  in  this  position  secured  by  the  control  of 
the  bit.  I  will  allude  more  especially  to  the  details  neces- 
sary to  success.  After  the  animal  submits  to  the  primary 
course  of  subjection  and  control  by  the  bit  is  attempted, 


TURNING    AROUND.  73 

work  slow.  Let  the  horse  move  on  a  slow  walk  at  first. 
Call  whoa  sharply  and  instantly  after  surge  with  the  quick- 
ness and  energy  of  the  crack  of  a  whip,  with  the  reins  upon 
the  mouth ;  repeating  and  increasing  the  speed  of  the  ani- 
mal as  there  is  submission,  making  one  point  after  another, 
until  the  animal  can  be  put  on  a  run  and  will  stop  instantly 
at  command.  Even  then  you  are  not  to  feel  too  sure  of 
having  accomplished  your  purpose.  Test  carefully  when 
cool,  and  assure  yourself  of  the  most  perfect  submission  and 
docility  before  incurring  any  risk.  This  is  really  the 
important  point  in  assuring  of  success,  not  only  in  the 
breaking  of  horses  of  this  character  but  in  all  others  of  a 
bad  character.  Some  horses  subject  to  this  habit  will  yield 
readily  to  the  use  of  the  four  ring  bit.  The  foot-strap  is 
also  a  valuable  auxiliary,  but  the  breaking  bit  is  in  advance 
of  anything  else  in  doing  this. 

TURNING   AROUND, 

If  the  horse  turns  around,  drive  first  with  harness,  whip 
up  sharply,  then  make  him  stop,  always  pulling  in  the 
opposite  direction  from  that  the  horse  usually  turns,  until 
there  is  not  only  the  most  prompt  obedience  to  the  com- 
mands in  going  ahead,  but  ready  submission  to  control, 
right  or  left,  or  in  stopping,  as  may  be  required.  Some- 
times the  habit  is  contracted  of  pulling  so  hard  on  the  bit 
as  to  resist  control.  In  this  case  all  that  is  necessary  to  do 
is  to  train  the  mouth  once  or  twice  with  breaking  bit,  or 
use  the  four  ring  bit,  and  the  habit  will  be  broken  up.  If 
one  rein  is  pulled  upon,  pull  sharply  on  the  opposite  rein, 
and  repeating  at  each  indication  of  such  a  purpose  until  the 
head  is  yielded  freely  and  evenly. 

In  reviewing  the  common  causes  of  this  habit,  we  see 
that  two  objects  must  govern  the  efforts.  First :  To  over- 
come or  neutralize  the  exciting  cause  of  resistance — usually 
some  cause  of  fear.  Second :  To  make  the  mouth  perfectly 
submissive  to  the  most  delicate  restraint  of  the  bit ;  it  being 
essential  that  the  exciting  cause  should  be  removed,  while 
the  power  to  control  resistance  must  be  increased. 

I  will  in  this  connection  add,  that  there  is  no  part  of  the 
training  of  horses  which  should  be  done  more  thoroughly, 
or  tested  more  carefully,  than  this  of  teaching  proper 
4 


74  RUNNING    BACK. 

submission  of  the  mouth  to  the  bit.  Yet  I  will  venture  to 
assert  none  is  more  imperfectly  or  ignorantly  attempted; 
and  that  the  more  experienced  and  intelligent  horsemen 
should  regard  doing  this  difficult,  when  there  is  so  much  to 
indicate  to  the  most  ordinary  observer  the  method  of  doing 
it  with  ease  and  certainty,  seems  strange.  And  yet,  per- 
haps, this  is  not  so  strange,  since  it  has  been  very  much  of 
a  puzzle  to  do  this  at  all,  and  really  in  its  true  aspect  shows 
more  real  science  than  can  be  illustrated  by  any  other  fea- 
ture of  my  treatment,  since  upon  this  must  depend  ulti- 
mately the  readiness  and  success  with  which  horses  can  be 
guided  and  controlled  in  harness. 

It  is  essential  in  training  a  horse  well  to  the  bit,  that  the 
idea  is  given  correctly  of  submitting  the  head  up  and  back 
when  pulled  upon.  Also,  that  the  horse  should  be  made  to 
understand  exactly  the  meaning  of  every  signal  of  guidance 
and  restraint.  In  training  the  mouth,  the  exact  idea  can 
be  conveyed  by  being  particular  in  repeating  the  same  kind 
of  reproof,  by  pulling  sharply  whenever  there  is  an  attempt 
at  pulling  hard.  There  is  soon  not  only  prompt  obedience 
to  restraint  of  the  bit,  but  there  is  no  disposition  or  confi- 
dence to  resist  control.  Remember  a  horse  cannot  under- 
stand the  object  of  such  restraint,,  if  there  is  not  uniformity 
of  action  and  language.  Yet  most  people  talk  to  their 
horses  in  the  most  careless  manner.  If  there  is  an  intention 
of  approaching  a  horse,  the  usual  word  is  "whoa!  "  In 
driving,  when  it  is  desired  to  make  the  horse  go  slow, 
"whoa"  is  the  usual  word,  and  the  consequence  is  the 
animal  does  not  know  what  is  meant  by  "whoa."  Every 
action  and  word  should  have  a  special  meaning,  and  they 
should  never  conflict,  that  the  understanding  may  not  be 
confused.  "Whoa"  should  be  an  imperative  command  to 
stop.  To  go  slower  requires  the  use  of  some  other  word. 
Even  every  motion  of  the  whip  should  have  a  special  mean- 
ing. If  the  horse  is  managed  with  care  in  this  way,  he 
becomes  almost  a  machine,  that  yields  submission  to  the 
slightest  touch  or  word  of  command. 

KUNNING  BACK. 

To  break  up  this  habit,  there  must  be  established  a  tho- 
rough fear  of  the  whip,  so  as  to  induce  going  ahead  when 


KICKING    IN    HARNESS.  75 

commanded.  Put  on  harness,  and  tie  the  tugs  into  the 
rings  of  the  breeching  rather  short.  Drive  around  with  the 
reins,  giving  a  short  cut  with  a  good  bow  whip  around  the 
legs  once  in  a  while,  if  not  prompt.  As  the  horse  learns  to 
spring  ahead  when  commanded,  pull  a  little  on  the  lines, 
gradually  repeating  until  he  will  pull  quite  hard  on  the  bit 
to  go  ahead.  Make  this  as  thorough  as  possible.  In 
driving  repeat  and  carry  out  this,  going  ahead  promptly, 
whipping  up  sharply  once  in  a  while  if  necessary. 

The  main  point  to  make  with  horses  of  this  character,  is 
to  create  a  thorough  fear  of  the  whip.  To  do  this  well  while 
driving  with  harness,  whip  around  the  hind  legs  sharply, 
until  the  horse  will  start  ahead  promptly  when  commanded. 
Now,  attach  to  wagon  and  gradually  work  up  with  whip 
until  there  is  prompt  obedience.  The  foot  strap  may  be 
put  on  if  there  is  any  possible  danger  of  the  horse  running 
back  when  hitched. 

KICKING  IN  HAKNESS. 

This  is  apparently  the  most  dangerous  and  difficult  habit 
to  overcome,  to  which  horses  are  subject ;  yet  it  is  a  habit 
that  yields  readily  to  my  treatment,  but  requires  care  and 
thoroughness  and  a  large  share  of  common  sense  in  deter- 
mining how  much  must  be  done  and  when  to  stop.  This 
cannot  be  learned  by  any  fixed  rule,  since  there  is  such  a 
great  difference  of  extremes  shown  in  this  habit  that  it  is 
not  safe  to  venture  a  limit  of  what  and  how  much  must  be 
done.  I  have  often  broken  horses  of  kicking,  of  apparently 
the  worst  character,  in  twenty  or  thirty  minutes.  Then 
again,  one  scarcely  confirmed  in  the  habit  may  require  very 
much  more  time ;  and  a  few  extreme  cases,  of  apparently  a 
mild  character  when  not  excited,  would  call  out  all  my 
resources  for  hours,  to  make  the  subject  yield  safely  to  con- 
trol. I  broke  a  horse  in  Maine  of  the  worst  character,  of 
kicking,  by  a  few  pulls  upon  the  war  bridle.  At  all  events, 
the  owner  informed  me,  months  afterwards,  that  the  animal 
remained  perfectly  docile.  This  horse  would  kick  at  any 
body  or  anything. 

But  I  found  a  horse  in  Mississippi,  which  w'as  perfectly 
gentle  to  ride  or  handle,  would  only  kick  when  to  wagon,  yet 
he  was  the  most  terribly  persistent  kicker  when  in  harness 


76  KICKING    IN    HARNESS. 

I  ever  saw,  or  ever  expect  to  see.  All  ordinary  treatment 
was  only  as  play  to  this  horse.  -  Circumstances  made 
it  necessary  to  break  up  the  habit,  and  I  felt  compelled  to 
do  so,  and  succeeded  only  after  three  lessons.  Never  did 
a  horse  resist  more  bravely,  but  I  succeeded  in  making  the 
animal  so  gentle  as  to  submit  the  wagon  against  the  heels 
going  down  hill,  and  he  was  driven  by  me  a  week  after 
being  broken,  in  the  presence  of  a  large  concourse  of  peo- 
ple, proving  safe  and  gentle  afterwards. 

Breaking  of  kicking,  as  with  most  other  habits,  requires 
thoroughness  in  what  is  attempted.  If  there  is  more  fear 
than  willfulness,  the  fear  must  be  thoroughly  overcome.  If 
based  upon  willfulness,  that  must  be  mastered  at  any 
hazard.  In  either  case,  put  through  a  careful  but  thorough 
course  of  subjection,  exciting  resistance  by  rubbing  a  stick 
of  some  kind  against  and  between  the  legs  until  there  is  no 
resistance;  now  put  on  harness  and  breaking  bit,  and  com- 
pel perfect  submission  to  its  restraint.  Let  the  hind  legs 
be  touched  as  before,  and  at  each  indication  of  resistance, 
punish  sharply;  with  the  reins  back  the  animal  against  a  rail 
fence  or  anything  convenient.  If  there  is  perfect  submis- 
sion, back  into  the  shafts  of  the  wagon,  or  bring  the  shafts 
over  the  back  gently.  This  is  a  step  requiring  much  cau- 
tion and  firmness.  Stand  at  the  left  shoulder,  grasping  the 
rein  near  the  bit  firmly,  and  as  the  shafts  are  brought  for- 
ward, and  the  cross-piece  comes  in  contact  with  the  legs,  if 
there  is  much  sensitiveness  shown,  give  him  a  sharp,  quick 
jerk  upon  the  reins,  which  will  at  once  disconcert  the 
horse,  and  at  the  same  time  throw  the  head  so  high  as  to 
make  it  difficult  for  him  to  kick.  Force  this  point  well, 
until  the  contact  of  the  wagon  is  borne,  when  the  harness 
may  be  attached.  Now  drive  around  gently,  stopping  and 
starting  repeatedly,  carefully  observing  how  much  forcing 
the  horse  will  bear.  If  there  is  no  indication  of  serious 
resistance,  follow  up  by  driving  around,  until  there  is  per- 
fect submission.  At  each  repetition  of  being  hitched  to  a 
wagon  for  a  few  days,  let  the  horse  be  backed  against  the 
cross-piece  several  times  until  it  is  borne  without  flinching. 

This  precaution  of  testing  repeatedly  is  absolutely  essen- 
tial to  prevent  and  overcome  any  growing  sensibility  or 
confidence  of  ability  to  kick  when  driven,  until  there  is  not 
discovered  any  disposition  to  indulge  in  the  habit. 


KICKING    IN    HARNESS. 


77 


If  this  will  not  do,  repeat  the  lesson  of  subjection  which 
the  reader  has  been  shown,  and  if  there  is  any  doubt  about 
submitting  to  the  shafts  without  danger  of  an  accident,  get 
TWO  POLES  about  twelve  feet  each  in  length;  lay  them 
down  on  the  ground  so  that  the  small  ends  will  be  about 
twenty-two  inches  apart,  and  the  large  ends  are  six  or  seven 
feet  apart.  Next  get  a  piece  of  pole  of  the  same  size,  lay 
across  and  tie  firmly  to  the  side  poles  just  far  enough  "from 
the  forward  ends  so  when  the  horse  is  hitched  in  the  tugs 
are  tied  to  this  crosspiece  with  pieces  of  cord.  Hitch  to 
this  without  holdbacks,  and  drive  around,  repeatedly  stop- 
ping and  backing  the  horse  against  the  cross-piece  until 
there  is  perfect  submission.  This  driving  in  poles  may  be 
repeated  if  thought  necessary,  remembering  that  it  is  ab- 
solutely necessary  to  make  every  step  sure  before  the  next 
is  attempted. 

A  great  advantage  of  repeating  the  lesson  is,  that  the 
sensibility  of  the  mouth  is  so  greatly  increased  that  the  most 
plucky  horse  will  scarcely  dare  resist  the  bit  after  being 
severely  punished  a  few  times.  If  the  horse  yields,  but  is 
doubtful  or  appears  touchy  and  sensitive  once  in  a  while, 
you  may  be  able  to  make  your  point  by  putting  on  the  FOOT 
STRAP,  which  is  an  excellent  means  of  controlling  a  doubt- 
ful horse,  in  making  this  step. 

This  is  simply  disabling 
and  controlling  one  of  the 
fore  feet,  by  a  strap 
which  is  passed  over  the 
belly-band  and  back  to 
the  wagon  as  a  third  rein. 
Simply  pulling  .upon  this 
at  the  instant  there  is  an 
attempt  to  kick,  throws 
the  horse  off  his  balance 
and  disables  him  from 
doing  so.  It  must  be 
borne  in  mind  that  much 
depends  in  making  sub- 
jection thorough;  no  mat- 
ter how  good  or  proper  the  treatment,  the  horse  must 
be  made  to  yield  unconditionally,  or  failure  is  not  only 
probable  but  almost  certain. 


78  KICKING    STRAPS. 

Kicking  straps  if  properly  put  on,  are  powerful  means  of 
reproof  upon  the  kicker.  I  have  had  excellent  success  with 
this  means  years  ago.  They  will  not  work  well  on  a  slow 
determined  horse,  and  in  any  event  should  be  kept  on  until 
all  desposition  to  resist  is  overcome. 

KICKING  STRAPS. 

Have  made  four  straps,  like  common  hame  straps;  two 
long  enough  to  buckle  around  the  hind  legs  above  the 
gambrels,  and  two  a  little  shorter,  so  as  to  be  in  proportion, 
to  buckle  around  just  below 
the  gambrel.  The  straps 
should  be  an  inch  and  a 
quarter  wide,  good  thick 
leather,  and  the  buckles 
should  be  heavy.  Now  have 
made  two  D's,  just  twice  as 
long  as  the  straps  are  wide. 
This  D  should  have  the 
straight  part  a  little  round- 
ing, and  the  corners  not  ~^« 
quite  to  a  sharp  point.  Put 

a  long  and  short  strap  on  each  D,  and  buckle  them  around 
the  hind  legs  of  the  horse ;  the  long  strap  above  and  the 
short  one  below  the  gambrel,  bringing  the  D  in  front  of  the 
leg.  These  we  designate  KICKING  STRAPS. 

Put  a  strong  well-fitting  rope  halter  on  the  head,  tie  a 
strong  two-inch  ring  on  the  end  of  the  hitching  part,  which 
should  be  of  a  length  to  extend  between  the  fore-legs,  over 
and  just  back  of  the  belly  band.  Then  take  a  piece  of 
strong  manilla  rope,  long  enough  to  extend  from  the  ring 
on  the  end  of  the  halter  back  to  each  hind  leg.  Pass  the 
end  of  this  through  the  ring  to  the  center,  and  tie  each  end 
carefully  into  the  D's  on  the  straps,  the  whole  so  arranged 
in  length  that  the  horse  can  travel  easily  and  naturally. 
Now  as  soon  as  the  horse  kicks,  the  most  severe  punishment 
must  result  upon  the  nose.  If  the  horse  is  sulky  the  con- 
nection may  be  made  direct  to  the  bit ;  there  is  however 
danger  if  the  horse  kicks  recklessly,  if  so  attached,  of  greatly 
bruising  the  mouth,  or  of  even  breaking  the  jaw;  have 
known  too  such  results  from  this  cause,  hence  I  have  dis- 


KICKING    STRAPS.  79 

carded  it.  No  quarter  is  to  be  given  until  there  is  perfect 
submission.  The  harness  may  be  put  on  after  the  horse 
ceases  kicking,  and  drive  around  as  before.  These  straps 
should  be  kept  on  until  there  is  no  disposition  to  kick. 

If  the  mouth  is  hard,  use  breaking  bit  and  force  as  before, 
with  the  reins,  until  there  is  perfect  submission.  The  horse 
is  to  be  treated  with  the  utmost  kindness  when  he  yields. 
Bear  in  mind  this  rule  must  not  be  disregarded,  of  addressing 
and  winning  the  cooperation  of  the  affections  as  soon  as 
there  is  submission.  The  foot  strap  may  be  used  as  a  pre- 
caution when  hitched  to  wagon,  until  submission  is  made 
sure. 

If  the  mouth  is  naturally  sensitive,  and  the  horse  is  docile 
but  quick  and  irritable,  a  different  policy  must  be  adopted, 
as  the  horse  may  drive  gently  for  hours,  or  even  days,  and 
yet  may  kick  at  a  real  or  fancied  cause  of  annoyance.  This 
mode  of  treatment  would  not  work  well  with  such,  as  they 
soon  become  cautious  by  throwing  the  head  down  when 
there  is  such  an  intention,  and  there  is  not  persistence 
enough  to  make  reproof  sufficiently  positive  to  cure  the 
habit. 

The  OVERDRAW  CHECK  will  now  work  well.  But  care 
must  be  taken  to  apply  it  right,  or  there  will  be  cause 
for  disappointment  in  its  use.  The  object  is  now  to  simply 
disable  the  horse  from  his  purpose  at  the  least  attempt  to 
kick,  which  we  can  easily  do,  especially,  while  in  single 
harness.  Probably  the  best  way  to  do  this  is  as  follows  : 

Get  a  small  steel  bit  and  hang  it  loosely  above  the  driving 
bit  in  the  bridle.  Put  the  bridle  on  the  head ;  now  provide 
yourself  with  a  fine,  strong  piece  of  hemp  or  cotton  cord, 
about  three-eighths  of  an  inch  in  diameter,  and  sixteen  feet 
in  length.  That  kept  at  hardware  stores  for  hanging  win- 
dows, will  do.  Put  the  center  of  this  cord  back  of  the  ears, 
run  the  ends  back  through  the  rings  of  the  small  bit  and 
through  the  gag  runners,  which  should  be  close  up  to  the 
ears.  (See  cut.)  Pass  them  now  through  the  terrets  and 
back  through  a  ring,  which  must  be  attached  as  far  back 
upon  the  crouper  as  possible,  and  attach  the  ends  to  the 
shafts  on  each  side  of  the  hips.  At  first  this  check  should 
be  drawn  short,  to  bring  the  head  as  high  as  the  horse  can 
bear.  The  head  is  now  not  only  high,  but  the  least  effort 
to  kick  will  thwart  itself  by  drawing  the  check  tighter, 


80 


KICKING   STRAPS. 


thereby  preventing  the  horse  from  doing  any  mischief.     As 
there  is  manifested  less  disposition  to  kick,  give  more  free- 


Over  draw  Check  for  Kickers. 

dom  to  the  head.  When  the  animal  proves  safe,  change 
and  use  the  common  check  rein,  at  first  rather  short.  A 
nicely  rounded  strap  may  be  used  instead  of  the  cord.  It 
requires  very  careful  and  thorough  treatment  to  reform  a 
slow,  reckless  kicker,  especially  if  the  nervous  system  is 
much  weakened  in  this  direction.  I  have  the  best  success 
by  the  second  and  third  methods  of  subjection  in  conjunction 
with  the  control  of  the  mouth,  and  unless  you  cannot  make 
your  point  by  this  treatment,  your  success  will  be  doubtful. 
OLD  SQUEALERS  of  this  character  are  to  be  discarded.  I 
know  there  are  so  few  who  will  be  necessarily  thorough  in 
carrying  out  obedience,  and  treating  afterwards  with  pru- 
dence and  kindness  requisite,  that  I  do  not  wish  to  encourage 
success  in  making  such  safe  and  gentle.  It  is  seen  I  can 
drive  any  such  in  a  few  minutes.  The  same  treatment  will 
enable  breaking  up  the  habit  if  applied  with  care  and 
thoroughness. 

Look  first  for  the  cause  of  resistance,  second  for  the  type 
of  disposition,  and  try  to  make  the  treatment  such  as  will 
prevent  and  overcome  the  habit  in  the  most  direct  and  posi- 
tive manner,  always  striving  to  be  cool  and  careful.  Treat 
the  horse  kindly,  as  soon  as  there  is  submission. 


KICKING   WHILE    HARNESSING.  81 

KICKING  WHILE  HARNESSING. 

Put  on  the  war  bridle  (small  loop,)  and  work  up  with  it 
sharply  right  and  left  a  few  times,  then  pull  down  tight, 
and  tie  into  a  half  hitch.  While  holding  the  cord  in  the  left 
hand,  step  back  and  pass  the  hand  from  the  shoulders  to  the 
hind  parts  gently.  If  this  is  borne,  take  the  harness  in  the 
right  hand  and  work  it  back  gently  over  the  back.  As  this 
is  borne,  untie  the  cord  and  tie  down,  so  as  to  give  the 
mouth  a  little  more  freedom.  Now  go  back  and  handle  as 
before,  being  careful  to  be  gentle;  if  there  is  resistance, 
punish  sharply,  tie  down  short  again,  and  put  the  harness 
on.  When  there  is  submission,  untie,  then  work  back  as 
before ;  at  the  least  indication  of  resistance,  tremble  on  the 
cord  until  the  horse  will  bear  the  harness  while  free  from 
restraint. 

KICKING  WHILE  GROOMING. 

Some  horses  ^are  so  thin  skinned  that  they  can  scarcely 
bear  a  currycomb  on  the  flanks  or  legs,  and  when  excited  by 
rough  treatment  and  too  severe  use  of  the  currycomb,  are 
easily  made  vicious  to  handle  or  groom.  Put  on  the  war 
bridle,  and  after  working  up  with  it,  hold  tightly,  and  with 
the  left  hand  use  the  currycomb  on  the  back,  gradually 
working  to  the  sensitive  part;  as  there  is  submission,  give 
a  little  more  freedom  to  the  mouth,  and  work  back  lightly. 
If  the  horse  seems  unable  to  bear  the  currycomb,  use  the 
brush  instead,  and  that,  if  necessary,  lightly.  Work  lightly 
and  indirectly  to  the  sensitive  part,  at  the  same  time  speak- 
ing gently.  It  is  almost  impossible  to  overcome  this  habit 
if  there  is  not  gentleness  and  kind  treatment. 

The  currycomb  is  used  too  much  by  most  grooms.  A 
sharp  toothed,  brass  currycomb,  must  not  be  used  on  a  thin 
skinned  horse;  use  a  brush.  I  should  want  a  horse  to  kick 
a  man  out  of  the  stall  who  would  use  a  currycomb  with 
needless  severity,  or  be  otherwise  needlessly  harsh. 

KICKING  WHILE   SHOEING. 

Some  horses  have  a  peculiar  aversion  to  having  their  feet' 
handled,  and  if  once  aroused  to  resistance,  from  any  cause, 
are  apt  to  become  pretty  determined  in  the  habit.  If  the 


82  KICKING   WHILE    SHOEING. 

foot  is  pulled  away  when  taken  up,  or  the  horse  is  excited 
and  injured  in  some  way  while  the  foot  is  held,  fear  of 
injury  is  produced  and  associated  with  the  requirement, 
which,  by  the  usual  pulling,  hauling  and  kicking  practices 
of  the  shop,  makes  the  horse  worse.  The  least  indication 
of  ability  to  resist  control  of  the  foot,  inspires  to  greater 
resistance,  hence,  the  horse  by  persistence  in  such  a  course  is 
confirmed  in  the  habit.  If  only  a  little  irritable  and  restless 
at  being  shod,  put  on  the  war  bridle,  draw  tight,  and  tie  in 
a  half  hitch.  The  foot  can  now  be  handled.  Untie  in  a 
few  minutes,  and  let  the  cord  be  pulled  upon  a  little  when 
disposed  to  resist,  which  will  distract  the  attention  and 
cause  submission.  If  the  resistance  is  determined,  take  up 
the  fore  foot  and  have  it  held  by  an  assistant ;  tie  the  end 
of  the  long  web  around  the  hind  foot  above  the  fetlock. 
This  done,  request  the  assistant  to  let  go  the  foot  and  hold 
by  the  head;  while  standing  opposite  the  shoulder,  pull 
upon  the  strap  until  the  foot  is  brought  well  forward,  giving 
loose  £jie  instant  there  is  an  effort  to  jerk  or  kick.  Repeat 
pulling  and  letting  go,  until  submitted  freely.  Now  step 
directly  behind  and  pull  back,  giving,  as  before,  until  sub- 
missive; then  bring  the  web  over  the  back  around  across 
the  breast,  pulling  short  enough  to  bring  the  foot  well  for- 
ward ;  pass  the  end  back  under  the  part  over  the  back,  and 
pull  tight. 

Let  the  assistant  now  grasp  the  web,  holding  firmly  as 
ever,  with  the  left  hand  holding  the  head  by  the  bridle. 
This  brings  the  leg  forward,  where  it  can  be  handled  at 
will.  If  this  will  not  do,  tie  the  end  of  the  web  or  rope 
around  the  neck,  near  the  shoulders,  in  the  form  of  a  run- 
ning noose;  pass  the  other  end  back  between  the  fore  legs, 
around  the  hind  leg,  below  the  fetlock  and  back  through 
the  loop,  around  the  neck,  drawing  it  through  short  enough 
to  bring  the  foot  well  forward.  Pass  the  end  back  under  to 
prevent  sliding,  and  retain  in  the  hand.  The  horse  will 
now  be  very  likely  to  struggle  to  get  the  foot  loose.  Should 
his  resistance  be  so  great  as  to  endanger  injury,  you  can 
give  loose  on  the  end  of  the  rope.  When  the  horse  ceases 
trying  to  get  the  foot  loose,  rest  the  left  hand  upon  the  hip, 
with  the  right  pull  upon  the  foot  forward  and  outward.  If 
there  is  great  resistance,  pull  around  by  the  head,  which 
will  enable  you  to  keep  him  in  such  limits  as  you  wish. 


KICKING    WHILE    SHOEING.  83 

When  the  struggle  ceases,  go  back  and  handle  as  before. 
When  the  foot  is  submitted  to  the  hand,  while  held  to  the 
restraint  of  the  rope,  put  the  cord  well  back  upon  the  neck, 
draw  it  down  tightly,  and  tie  it  into  a  half  hitch.  Then 
pull  upon  the  foot  with  the  hand  as  before.  If  not  resisted, 
untie  the  strap  and  take  the  foot  in  hand  gently.  Put  it 
down  and  take  it  up,  rubbing  and  handling  until  there  is 
entire  submission.  Then  carry  it  back  with  the  right  hand, 
keeping  well  forward  out  of  danger,  by  resting  the  left  hand 
upon  the  hip,  and  pulling  and  yielding  to  the  foot  until 
manageable.  Now  pass  the  left  hand  down  the  inside  of 
the  leg,  take  it  from  the  right  and  carry  it  back  gently ;  put 
it  down  and  take  it  up  once  or  twice.  Hammer  upon  it 
lightly,  gradually  increasing,  until  the  foot  is  submitted  as 
required.  Now  untie  the  cord  and  tie  it  a  little  longer;  go 
back  and  handle  the  foot  as  before.  If  submitted,  untie 
the  cord,  holding  the 'end  in  the  left  hand,  and  handle  as 
before.  If  there  is  an  intimation  of  resistance,  tremble  on 
the  cord,  which  will  keep  attention  on  the  mouth,  and 
remind  of  the  previous  control  until  the  foot  is  submitted 
without  restraint.  Manage  the  other  hind  foot  in  the  same 
manner,  if  necessary.  If  the  horse  is  very  bad  to  shoe  he 
must  be  subjected  to  the  regular  treatment  for  direct  sub- 
jection, and  the  smith  shop  is  no  place  for  this.  Such 
horses  should  be  first  handled  at  home  until  thoroughly  sub- 
missive, when  simple  treatment  will  enable  easily  forcing 
the  animal  to  stand  quietly  to  be  shod.  Horses  of  this 
class,  rank  with  the  very  worst,  and  should  be  at  once  sub- 
jected to  the  most  positive  means  of  subjection.  Passive 
treatment  will  enable  control  very  easily,  but  must  be  used 
with  care.  The  feet  of  such  horses  should  be  taken  up  and 
pounded  upon  repeatedly  in  the  stable,  until  submission 
becomes  habitual.  When  taken  to  the  shop,  if  necessary, 
simply  remind  that  submission  must  be  yielded,  and  treat 
gently — caressing  and  rubbing  head  and  neck  the  way  the 
hair  lies.  Colts  should  not  be  taken  to  a  shop  to  be  shod 
until  accustomed  to  have  the  feet  handled. 


84  •  BALKING. 

BALKING. 

This  habit  is  usually  caused  by  confusing  and  overload- 
ing, or  trying  to  force  too  much  by  whipping  when 
exhausted,  or  when  the  draught  from  some  cause  becomes 
too  great  for  the  horse  to  manage,  thereby  exciting  and  dis- 
couraging the  horse  before  able  to  settle  down  to  a  steady, 
determined  pull.  When  a  horse,  and  especially  a  young 
one,  becomes  mad,  and  will  not  pull  when  commanded, 
there  should  not  be  a  word  or  an  action  that  would  betray 
an  understanding  of  the  resistance.  Change  position — take 
up  time  in  some  way  by  fixing  the  harness  or  walking 
around,  whistling  or  singing,  if  in  the  mood.  There  must 
not  be  any  appearance  of  anger.  Give  the  horse  time  to 
get  over  the  irritation  and  become  willing  to  use  his  strength 
against  the  collar.  Any  characteristic  of  willfulness  denotes 
spirit  and  sensibility,  consequently  not  disposed  to  submit 
to  being  rudely  and  injudiciously  forced  in  harness.  If 
double,  get  both  horses  to  start  evenly.  This  can  be  done 
best,  and  greatly  lessen  the  weight  of  the  load  in  starting, 
by  standing  directly  in  front  of  both  horses,  catching  the 
bits  with  the  hands.  Now  move  the  horses  gently  to  the 
right  or  left,  until  the  wheel  almost  strikes  the  side  of  the 
wagon — giving  them  time  to  become  steady.  When  you  see 
they  are  ready,  speak  with  cheerful,  encouraging  voice, 
"come  boys."  If  this  precaution  is  taken,  there  will  be  no 
further  trouble ;  but  bear  in  mind  that  the  horses  must  not 
now  be  permitted  to  go  to  the  limit  of  their  strength. 
When  they  are  still  pulling  with  energy,  at  the  first  favora- 
ble place  stop  them.  After  ample  time  to  recuperate,  speak 
to  them  gently  to  go.  It  seems  to  be  natural  for  a  horse  to 
go  ahead  and  draw  all  he  can,  and  it  is  only  when  confused, 
excited  and  abused  in  the  most  unreasonable  and  imprudent 
manner,  that  the  disposition  is  texcited  to  balk.  When 
once  the  habit  is  acquired,  it  is  liable  at  any  moment  to  be 
persisted  in  if  excited  or  much  force  is  used. 

If  there  is  any  treatment  to  which  horses  are  subject  in 
educating  to  harness  that  is  unreasonable  and  needlessly 
harsh,  and  should  be  corrected,  it  is  that  of  pounding  or 
whipping  to  make  them  go,  when  perhaps  the  animals  are 
confused  and  discouraged,  and  not  in  a  condition  to  make 
much  of  an  effort. 


BALKING.  85 

The  principal  cause  of  this  habit  is  harnessing  horses  and 
attempting  to  drive  them,  and  make  them  draw  heavy  loads, 
before  they  can  know  what  is  required  of  them,  or  learn  to 
use  their  strength  in  pulling. 

The  whip  is  too  irritating,  without  giving  sufficient  power 
to  force  obedience,  and  as  the  will  is  stimulated  to  increased 
positiveness  and  sensibility  is  blunted  in  proportion  to  the 
degree  the  blood  is  warmed,  this  advantage  of  force  by  the 
whip  decreases,  while  the  resistance  is  increased,  and  hence 
is  often  a  direct  cause  of  failure. 

If  the  whip  is  to  be  depended  upon,  the  horse  should  be 
driven  around  in  harness  only,  when  it  should  be  made  to 
crack  keenly  around  the  hind  legs  the  instant  after  "get 
up"  is  spoken,  until  the  horse  learns  to  spring  ahead  when 
commanded.  When  there  is  perfect  obedience,  attach  to 
the  wagon  and  move  gently,  stopping  and  starting  often, 
until  obedience  becomes  habitual.  To  prevent  this  habit 
the  colt  should  be  driveu  around  in  harness,  touching  up 
with  the  whip,  until  the  idea  of  starting  at  the  touch  of  the 
whip,  and  guiding  and  submitting  to  the  bit,  becomes 
prompt  and  habitual.  Then  drive  slowly  and  gently  for 
some  time  after  being  attached  to  the  wagon. 

If  the  habit  is  formed,  and  especially  in  single  harness,  it 
is  usually  more  from  resistance  to  the  bit  than  collar,  and  if 
the  horse  is  young  he  will  yield  readily  to  simple  treatment. 
Put  through  the  second  course  of  subjection.  Then  put  on 
harness.  Drive  around,  whipping  sharply  the  instant  the 
horse  does  not  start  when  commanded,  guiding  right  and 
left,  and  stopping  at  the  control  of  the  bit.  If  there  is  a 
habit  of  LUNGING  AHEAD,  regardless  of  the  bit,  or  of  not 
standing  as  desired  when  hitched,  be  positive  and  thorough 
in  requiring  instan!  obedience  to  the  command  whoa,  which 
can  be  easily  done  with  breaking  bit.  Drive  around  until 
there  is  perfect  obedience.  Then  hitch  to  wagon,  gently 
start  and  stop  the  horse  repeatedly,  until  the  obedience  is 
made  certain.  The  lesson  of  driving  to  harness  should  be 
repeated,  if  there  is  any  disposition  to  resist.  The  war 
bridle  will  enable  working  an  ordinary  balker  very  easily. 
First,  make  follow  promptly  with  harness  on,  when  the 
horse  will  soon  yield  to  it  in  harness.  There  must  be 
kindness  and  flattery  for  every  act  of  obedience.  Talk 
kindly,  give  apples,  oats,  or  anything  the  horse  likes. 


86  EFFECT   OF    KINDNESS. 

EFFECT  OF  KINDNESS. 

The  impression  of  kind  treatment,  gradually  showing  and 
encouraging  the  animal  to  yield  obedience,  is  certainly  very 
effective,  when  carried  out  well  in  practice.  During  my 
early  experience  I  traded  horses  very  often.  In  this  way  I 
became  the  owner  of  a  pony  mare,  eight  years  old.  She 
proved  balky,  and  on  inquiry  I  learned  that  she  had  been 
traded  round  for  years,  and  had  been  owned  by  nearly  all 
the  sharp  jockeys  in  the  country,  being  entirely  unmanagea- 
ble. She*  would  neither  go  down  hill  or  move  on  a  level  in 
harness.  Neighbors  advised  me  to  prosecute  for  being  im- 
posed upon  with  such  a  good-for-nothing  animal.  Making 
it  a  rule  not  to  find  fault  if  cheated,  I  declared  myself 
satisfied,  and  concluded  to  try  what  I  could  do  with  her.  I 
first  filled  my  pockets  with  apples,  led  the  mare  to  a  secluded 
piece  of  smooth,  slightly  descending  road,  hauling  the 
buggy  by  hand ;  hitched  her  to  the  buggy,  but  did  not  urge 
her  to  go;  read  a  paper  the  better  to  show  indifference. 

After  a  while  she  started  on  a  run.  To  try  to  make  her 
go  slow  by  pulling,  would  be  equivalent  to  making  her  stop, 
and  so  let  her  go  until  she  wore  off  the  sharp  edge  of  her 
ambition.  I  now  gradually  pulled  her  back,  as  I  could  see 
she  would  bear,  when  I  reached  a  descending  piece  of 
ground,  made  her  stop,  got  out  of  the  wagon,  talked  gently, 
gave  her  an  apple,  then  moved  forward  a  little,  saying 
"come  Jennie,"  (her  name,)  gave  her  another  apple,  rub- 
bing her  Kead,  as  before,  and  so  repeated,  for  about  half  an 
hour.  Then  would  get  into  the  buggy  and  make  her  start ; 
after  going  a  few  feet  or  rods  making  her  stop,  but  always 
getting  out  and  rewarding  her  with  an  apple.  The  result 
was,  that  Jennie  soon  not  only  would  start  and  stop  when 
commanded,  but  became  anxious  to  obey  me.  Drove  her 
home;  treated  her  with  the  utmost  kindness;  next  day 
hitched  her  up  gently;  made  her  start  and  stop  a  few  times 
before  getting  into  the  buggy;  got  into  the  buggy;  soon 
made  her  stop,  but  rewarded  her  as  before.  The  result  was 
that  I  soon  could  depend  upon  her  starting  and  stopping 
when  commanded.  Of  course  I  carried  this  treatment  from 
a  descending  to  an  ascending  grade,  teaching  the  mare 
gradually  to  use  her  strength.  The  result  was  that  -she  be- 
came one  of  the  most  willing  and  pleasant  little  working 


EFFECT    OF    KINDNESS.  87 

animals  I  ever  owned.  Sold  her  in  a  few  weeks.  She  be- 
came the  property  of  a  rough,  bad  man  to  horses,  who,  by 
needless  abuse,  made  her  balk  on  his  way  home,  and  she 
became  spoiled.  This  mare  was  of  a  sanguine  nervous 
temperament,  naturally  willing  to  do  all  she  could  when 
shown  and  treated  kindly,  but  would  not  bear  whipping 
and  abuse.  Her  will  was  so  strong  that  she  would  stand 
bravely,  regardless  of  the  most  severe  whipping.  I  struck 
her  with  the  whip  but  once,  when  she  threw  herself  down 
in  the  harness.  There  cannot  be  too  much  care  and  pa- 
tience with  young  horses  that  are  learning  to  drive.  If  a 
little  stubborn,  putting  through  a  short  course  of  subjection 
and  teaching  to  move  forward,  as  before  explained,  will 
soon  produce  perfect  submission.  If,  however,  the  habit  is 
thoroughly  formed,  it  must  be  counteracted  by  direct 
means.  To  do  this  best,  hitch  the  balker  by  the  side  of  a 
gentle  horse.  Attach  a  strong  piece  of  cord  in  the  form  of 
a  crouper,  under  the  tail  of  the  balker,  bring  forward 
through  the  terret  and  tie  to  the  name  ring  of  the  gentle 
horse,  just  short  enough  to  give  freedom  so  long  as  the  hor- 
ses are  even,  but  the  instant  there  is  a  disposition  to  refuse, 
the  whole  power  of  the  gentle  horse  is  brought  to  bear  upon 
the  tail,  which  will  cause  the  horse  to  jump  forward  instant- 
ly. Stop  and  start  repeatedly,  until  there  is  no  disposition 
to  refuse  moving  forward  when  commanded.  Should  pull- 
ing on  the  tail  irritate  and  cause  kicking,  at  once  remove 
the  cord ;  tie  the  end  of  the  hair  into  a  knot ;  tie  the  cord 
to  the  hair  by  this  knot ;  bring  forward  between  the  legs 
and  attach  the  cord  to  the  hame  ring  or  collar  of  the  gentle 
horse,  as  before.  The  restraint  is  now  on  the  tail  length- 
wise, which  has  a  remarkably  disconcerting  influence,  with 
great  power  to  force  the  horse  forward  when  the  gentle 
horse  starts.  If  this  should  fail,  there  is  but  one  resource 
left,  which  I  can  here  describe,  but  which  is  very  effective 
and  valuable  if  properly  applied. 

Put  the  war  bridle  on ;  bring  the  part  over  the  neck  for- 
ward to  the  ears;  now  jerk  sidewise  and  ahead,  and  finally 
ahead  as  there  is  submission,  until  there  is  prompt  obedience 
in  coming  ahead  when  pulled  upon.  Hitch  to  wagon  by 
the  side  of  a  true  horse.  Have  prepared  a  smooth  stiff  pole 
about  the  length  of  the  wagon  tongue.  Bore  a  hole  a  few 
inches  from  the  large  end,  and  about  a  foot  or  more  for- 


88  EFFECT   OF   KINDNESS. 

ward  of  the  head  bore  another.  Lay  this  pole  over  that  of 
the  wagonr  the  end  over  that  of  the  true  horse's  whiffletree, 
and  tie  firmly  on  top  with  a  piece  of  cord.  Now  step  for- 


Pole  applied  to  Balker. 

fard  and  tie  a  piece  of  small  rope  from  one  hame  ring  to 
the  other  of  the  horses,  under  the  pole,  so  as  to  be  just  taut 
when  in  position.  Pass  another  piece  of  the  same  sized 
cord  around  the  pole  and  tie  it  into  the  true  horse's  hame 
ring  short  enough  to  hold  the  pole  in  the  center.  Tie  the 
cord  on  the  head  now  to  the  pole  through  the  hole,  just 
long  enough  to  give  freedom,  so  long  as  the  horses  keep 
even ;  but  as  soon  as  there  is  refusal  to  go,  the  strength  of 
the  true  horse  is  brought  by  the  pole  on  the  head,  which 
will  compel  going  ahead,  (see  cut.)  Start  and  stop  the 
horses  often,  until  obedience  is  secured.  This  pole  may  be 
used  so  long  as  there  is  any  disposition  to  balk. 

The  horse  should  not  be  required  at  first  to  use  much 
strength  in  drawing.  Let  this  be  required  gradually,  as 
there  is.  obedience  and  willingness  inspired  to  work.  It  is 
a  grave  fault  to  try  to  make  the  horse  work  immediately. 
This  must  not  be  attempted.  First,  create  a  willingness  to 
start  when  commanded,  then  gradually  increase  the  load 
until  it  becomes  habitual  to  draw  when  commanded.  I  am 
aware  very  many  will  have  much  trouble,  and  may  wholly 
fail  with  horses  of  this  character.  It  is  presumed  that  there 
is  tact  and  intelligence  enough  to  appreciate  and  understand 
the  necessity  of  being  patient,  prudent  and  thorough  in 
adapting  the  efforts  skillfully.  Those  who  will  not  have  or 
have  not  mind  enough  to  feel  the  responsibility  and  value 


KICKING    IN    THE    STALL.  89 

of  being  governed  by  reason  in  the  treatment  of  habits, 
not  only  of  this  type  but  of  any  other,  must  expect  a  possi- 
bility of  failure  with  some  very  bad  horses. 

A  very  good  way  to  work  a  single  balker  is  to  drive  first 
by  the  side  of  a  gentle  horse  with  the  pole,  then  hitch  to 
single  wagon,  using  two  small  poles  instead  of  reins  to  the 
bit.  Now,  if  the  horse  does  not  move  promptly  when  com- 
manded, a  little  push  on  the  poles  will  cause  him  to  start, 
and  soon  cause  prompt  obedience.  But  I  would  remind 
again  that  patience,  delicacy  and  skill  in  carrying  out  the 
principles  taught,  are  the  primary  and  grand  essentials  to 
insure  success.  I  would  therefore  remind,  that  great  firm- 
ness, skill  and  patience  should  be  used  in  directing  and 
controlling  the  efforts,  since  without  a  judicious  application 
of  the  efforts  the  advantages  may  be  so  far  neutralized  as  to 
prevent  or  greatly  diminish  success. 

KICKING  IN  THE  STALL. 

This  is  one  of  those  habits  that  require  great  caution, 
judgment  and  care  in  guarding  against  danger.  Let  the 
horse  know  by  some  signal  or  command,  of  your  presence 
and  intention  to  approach.  Many  horses  of  the  gentkst 
character  would  kick  if  approached  suddenly  and  unexpect- 
edly; and  again,  many  horses  that  are  gentle  but  a  little 
peevish,  will  not  bear  being  approached  without  a  little  care 
in  attracting  attention.  The  motion  of  the  ears  and  lips, 
and  expression  of  the  eye,  will  always  notify  of  danger. 
And  here  let  me  warn  the  reader  that  however  careful  he 
may  be  in  not  going  too  near  the  horse,  there  must  not  be 
a  semblance  of  fear  shown  in  language  or  actions.  The 
commands  must  be  low  and  positive,  indicating  power.  If 
the  horse  will  not  move  round  and  seem  to  be  distracted 
from  a  positive  intention,  stand  still,  and  if  the  animal  does 
not  yield,  walk  off,  carelessly  whistling,  in  such  a  way  that 
the  horse  does  not  see  that  you  feel  defeated. 

If  you  have  his  attention,  repeat  the  words  "get  around, 
or  over,"  with  a  positiveness  that  must  be  obeyed,  looking 
at  the  eye  as  if  you  could  and  would  overcome  all  opposi- 
tion. When  you  see  the  horse  shrink  from  your  gaze,  glide 
up  to  the  shoulder,  before  the  mind  can  be  made  to  act,  and 
the  next  instant  let  the  left  hand  be  passed  along  the  neck 


90  KICKING    IN    THE    STALL. 

and  down  the  head  to  the  nose  piece  of  the  halter,  and  you 
are  safe,  as  the  horse  cannot  now  kick,  strike  or  bite  you. 
I  have  repeatedly  got  to  the  shoulder  of  horses  in  this  way 
that  would  kick  and  strike  the  stall  just  after  I  passed,  yet 
not  be  struck ;  it  is  a  feat,  however,  that  must  not  be  at- 
tempted unless  necessary.  In  going  out,  the  rule  is  the 
same — pull  the  head  towards  you,  looking  at  the  eye  stern- 
ly; this  will  throw  the  quarters  frona  you,  and  at  the  instant 
you  let  go,  glide  out  and  you  are  safe. 

If  the  horse  is  very  dangerous,  the  best  and  safest  course 
is  subjective  treatment,  following  up  with  the  war  bridle, 
sharply  until  mindful  of  your  commands,  or  if  you  wish  to 
work  dead  sure,  leave  the  war  bridle  on.  Lead  the  animal 
into  the  stall,  then  step  back  opposite  the  hips  and  say, 
"get  around."  If  there  is  not  prompt  obedience,  give  a 
sharp  jerk,  which  will  throw  the  hind  part  from  you.  Re- 
peat this,  and  in  a  short  time  the  horse  will  learn  to  step 
around  promptly  when  commanded,  and  allow  being  ap- 
proached. If  the  horse  is  persistent,  leave  the  cord  on,  the 
small  loop  being  left  larger  and  passed  through  the  rings  of 
the  halter.  As  you  now  step  out,  retain  the  cord  in  the 
hand  and  hang  or  tie  the  end  to  a  nail  on  the  post,  leaving 
sufficient  length  to  permit  the  horse  entire  freedom  to  the 
halter.  Now  when  you  desire  to  go  into  the  stall,  if  the 
horse  does  not  step  around  when  commanded,  untie  or  un- 
hook the  end  of  the. cord  and  give  a  jerk  upon  it,  which 
will  bring  the  animal  to  his  senses.  Leaving  this  on  a  few 
days,  caressing  and  giving  presents  of  sugar,  apples,  or 
anything  of  which  the  horse  is  fond,  will  soon  not  only 
break  up  the  confidence,  but  so  enlist  the  attention  that 
your  approach  will  be  looked  for,  and  eagerly  invited  to  him 
by  stepping  around,  and  endeavoring  to  reach  toward  you 
for  the  present. 

I  would  here  observe  that  there  are  very  many  men  who 
are  not  fit  to  have  anything  to  do  with  a  sensitive,  well-bred 
horse.  They  are  either  so  coarse  and  harsh  as  to  excite 
resentment,  and  hate,  or  so  dull  and  ignorant  that  they 
cannot  or  will  not  see  that  they  must  both  conceal  fear  and 
avoid  danger.  They  will  not  do  either.  They  abuse  and 
show  so  much  fear  as  both  to  excite  and  encourage  resist- 
ance, and  without  the  genius  or  tact  to  correct  the  cause 
of  mischief  they  attribute  all  the  trouble  to  the  natural 
viciousness  of  the  animal. 


PULLING   ON    THE    HALTER.  91 

Sensitive  horses  should  not  be  teased  in  the  stall,  or 
while  cleaning,  by  pinching,  pricking  or  whipping,  to 
"show  off,"  as  the  term  is.  Gentlemen  who  own  fine 
horses  should  be  very  particular  about  this,  and  a  man  who 
would  in  any  way  persist  in  such  treatment,  should  be 
kicked  out  the  stable. 

PULLING-  ON  THE  HALTER. 

It  is  the  disposition  of  the  horse  to  persist  in  what  he 
learns,  and  this  is  remarkably  so  where  the  habit  is  one  of 
resistance  to  the  restraint  of  the  halter  or  bit.  If  the  halter 
strap  is  broken  once  or  twice,  there  is  a  determined  purpose 
to  pull  loose  at  all  hazards  when  hitched.  This  is  some- 
times only  in  the  place  the  habit  has  been  learned.  Thus 
a  horse  learns  to  pull  loose  in  the  stall — he  will  resist  being 
hitched  in  stall,  but  will  submit  to  be  hitched  anywhere 
else;  or  the  horse  has  learned  to  pull  loose  in  the  street 
and  resists  there,  but  will  submit  and  not  pull  in  the  stall. 
This  habit  is  taught  either  by  being  tied  by  the  halter  before 
knowing  or  being  taught  to  submit  to  being  tied,  or  acci- 
dentally breaking  the  tying  strap.  If  from  the  first  cause 
the  animal  becomes  frightened,  pulls,  and  if  successful  in 
breaking  loose,  the  habit  is  established ;  or  the  halter  strap 
is  so  weak  that  the  least  jerk  upon  it  causes  it  to  break,  the 
habit  becomes  fixed. 

Put  on  the  war  bridle,  and  train  the  horse  about  until  he 
will  come  to  you  readily.  Now  bring  the  part  over  the  neck 
forward  to  the  ears,  and  pull  more  on  a  line  with  the  body, 
repeating  until  there  is  prompt  obedience  to  the  least  pull 
forward.  Wind  the  cord  once  around  a  post,  keeping  the 
end  in  the  hand,  so  as  to  let  it  loose  a  little  if  necessary. 
Excite  the  horse  to  pull  a  little,  which  he  will  soon  fear  to 
do,  as  there  is  great  pain  induced  by  the  purchase  of  the 
war  bridle  in  this  way.  Repeat  until  he  will  stand,  and  let 
the  whip  or  any  other  means  of  excitement  be  used,  without 
trying  to  pull. 

Should  this  fail,  try  the  following  method : 

Get  a  strong  half-inch  cord  twenty-two  feet  in  length; 
put  the  center  under  the  tail  like  a  crouper;  twist  them  a 
few  times  as  you  bring  them  forward  over  the  back ;  pass 
forward  on  each  sk"e  of  the  body,  knot  them  across  the 


92  BITING    AND    STRIKING 

breast,  then  pass  them  forward  through  the  halter  below  the 
jaw.  Tie  firmly  as  you  would  a  halter,  to  manger  or  post ; 
excite  by*  any  means  that  will  make  the  horse  pull  until  the 


Treating  a  Halter  Puller. 

habit  is  overcome.  I  whip  across  the  nose  keenly,  until  there 
is  perfect  submission,  when  I  can  soon  make  even  a  bad  one 
stand  up  without  attempting  to  pull.  To  insure  safety, 
would  hitch  so  for  a  few  days,  or  so  long  as  there  is  any 
predisposition  to  pull  on  the  halter.  Same  treatment  for 
pulling  on  the  bridle. 

BITING  AND  STKIKING. 

There  are  many  habits  which  to  break  up  successfully  re- 
quire not  only  good  judgment  but  the  highest  order  of 
nerve,  and  this  is  not  only  one  of  that  class,  but  one  that 
requires  perseverance  and  caution.  The  least  want  of 
watchfulness  will  encourage  this  propensity;  and  however 
thorough  the  training,  if  there  is  not  this  care,  the  horse 
will  be  encouraged  to  become  aggressive,  and  once  allowed 
to  do  so  successfully  the  point  gained  is  lost.  Hence  the 
necessity  of  being  able  to  see  the  intention  at  a  glance,  and 
disconcert  the  mind  from  its  purpose  before  being  fully 
developed.  The  horse  must  be  made  to  yield  the  most 
perfect  submission,  (by  the  first  or  second  methods  of 
subjection.)  If  a  stallion  this  is  an  absolute  necessity.  Fol- 
low up  with  the  war  bridle,  punishing  sharply.  In  ap- 


BITING   AND   STRIKING.  93 

preaching  afterwards,  speak  sharply  "get  round  !"  or  any 
signal  that  will  attract  attention.  Let  the  left  hand  be 'put 
on  the  shoulder,  (near  side,)  glide  it  up  the  neck  to  the 
head,  then  down  to  the  nose  piece  of  the  halter.  If  there 
is  an  attempt  to  bite  now,  the  hand  is  carried  up  before  the 
head  and  held  out  of  reach,  while  you  can  keep  the  head 
from  you  with  the  greatest  ease. 

Ari  old  horse  subject  to  this  habit  must  be  watched 
closely.  So  long  as  there  is  disposition  to  bite,  the  horse 
must  not  be  regarded  safe.  Carelessness  and  timidity, 
especially  if  subjected  to  harsh  treatment,  may  be  regarded 
as  the  primary  cause.  I  have  known  horses  to  become 
inveterate  biters  by  being  whipped  once  or  twice. 

A  gentleman  informed  me  lately  that  a  horse  he  formerly 
owned  became  terribly  vicious  by  being  struck  once  with 
whip  in  stall.  He  was,  up  to  that  time,  as  gentle  as  any 
horse  could  be.  Mr.  Roberts'  horse,  a  notice  of  which  I 
include  in  referring  to  my  treatment  in  the  first  chapter 
from  the  Utica  Herald.  This  horse  had  been  of  a  very 
docile  character.  A  rough,  drunken  groom,  who  was  em- 
ployed to  take  care  of  him,  by  irritating  and  abusing  the 
horse  got  him  vicious.  Mr.  Roberts  now  took  him  in  hand ; 
one  day  while  in  harness  the  horse  acted  a  little  stubborn 
and  vicious ;  Mr.  Roberts  struck  him  with  the  whip,  when 
instantly  the  horse  struck  and  bit  him,  knocking  him  sense- 
less under  his  feet,  and  would  have  killed  him  if  not  driven 
off  by  two  men,  who  happened  at  the  time  close  by.  He 
had  run  in  his  stall  seven  months,  and  would  jump  at  any 
one  with  the  ferocity  of  a  desperate  dog.  As  was  stated,  I 
took  him  in  hand  and  made  him  gentle  in  less  than  twenty 
minutes,  and  he  remained  of  a  good  character  afterwards. 
If  the  horse  is  young  and  thoroughly  treated,  there  will  be 
but  little  trouble  in  reforming  the  animal.  If  old  and  bad 
there  is  no  hope  of  success,  unless  there  is  unusual  nerve, 
ancT  genius  to  make  every  move  just  right,  and  follow  up 
the  treatment  until  the  mind  relaxes  from  the  purpose,  and 
the  affections  are  won.  The  habit  is  clearly  a  mania  when 
once  thoroughly  formed. 

If  the  horse  is  allowed  to  bite  without  instant  and  posi- 
tive reproof,  after  training,  no  matter  how  thoroughly  the 
training,  the  predisposition  will  be  again  so  strongly  devel- 
oped as  to  make  the  animal  watch  for  an  opportunity  to 


94  CRIBBING. 

bite.  After  forcing  obedience,  encourage  every  act  of  do- 
cility. Be  continually  on  the  watch  for  danger  and  punish 
energetically  for  aggression,  but  immediately  encourage 
obedience  by  kind,  affectionate  treatment. 

CEIBBINQ. 

Cribbing,  so  far  as  we  are  able  to  learn  or  judge,  is  a 
habit.  There  may  be  constitutionally  predisposing  causes, 
but  it  is  certain,  whatever  the  pretentions  of  any  one,  I 
have  never  been  given  any  proof  of  ability  to  break  up  the 
habit  with  medicine.  Horses  will  not  crib  on  anything 
that  is  lower  than  the  knees.  Hence  the  treatment  of 
tearing  away  the  manger  and  feeding  on  the  floor,  or  in  a 
basket.  Sometimes  sawing  between  the  teeth  will  stop  the 
habit. 

There  is  but  one  practical  plan  of  breaking  up  this  habit, 
and  the  success  of  that  will  depend  very  much  upon  the 
skill  displayed  in  making  the  adjustment. 

The  act  of  cribbing  induces  considerable  contraction  of 
the  muscles  of  the  neck,  and  the  larynx  is  forced  down 
much  beyond  its  natural  position.  This  then  is  the  key 
through  which  we  must  act.  Have  the  throat-latch  of  the  hal- 
ter hang  on  a  line  with  the  top  of  the  head  to  the  junction  of 
the  neck  with  the  head.  Take  a  piece  of  strap,  (good  firm 
leather,)  about  five  inches  in  length,  and  as  wide  as  the 
throat-latch.  Drive  ten  ounce  tacks  in  a  row  along  the 
center  of  this  strap,  three-eighths  of  an  inch  apart.  File 
the  points  sharp  and  of  an  equal  length.  Lay  this  strap  on 
the  inside  of  the  throat-latch  where  it  crosses  the  larynx, 
wind  a  piece  of  waxed  thread  around  both,  at  the  center 
and  ends  of  the  short  strap.  Buckle  the  throat-latch  just 
long  enough  so  that  it  will  not  touch  the  neck  when  eating 
or  drinking,  but  will  press  sharply  at  the  least  attempt  to 
crib.  The  result  is  that  at  every  attempt  to  crib  the  tacks 
will  stick  into  the  neck,  which  will  hurt  and  disconcert  the 
horse  from  doing  so. 

The  point  of  success  will  really  depend  upon  the  perfec- 
tion and  care  with  which  this  is  kept  adjusted.  If  there  is 
large  muscular  development  on  the  neck  or  thick  necked, 
the  strap  must  be  buckled  shorter  than  when  the  neck  is 
well  cut  out,  as  it  is  termed.  Make  the  reproof  severe  at 


PUTTING  THE  TONGUE  OUT  OF  THE  MOUTH.      95 

first.  Then  keep  it  so  as  to  touch  sharply  when  a  repetition 
is  attempted.  If  the  throat-latch  is  not  on  a  line  with  the 
top  of  the  head,  the  tacks  will  rest  against  and  cut  the  jaw, 
a  little  below  the  junction  of  the  head  with  the  neck.  If 
this  is  kept  on  a  few  days  or  weeks,  and  then  put  on  care- 
lessly or  taken  off,  there  is  likely  to  be  failure ;  for  if  the 
horse  finds  he  can  crib  once  after  this  is  put  on  without 
hurting  himself,  he  will  try  to  repeat  the  effort  at  all 
hazards,  and  will  punish  himself  severely  to  do  so.  But  if 
punished  at  first  and  this  kept  where  it  will  sting  at  the 
least  attempt,  it  will  be  likely  to  cure  the  habit.  It  is  to  be 
kept  on  from  a  few  weeks  to  as  many  months,  according  to 
the  age  and  persistence  of  the  habit. 

GETTING  CAST  IN  STALL. 

Drive  a  staple  into  a  beam,  or  the  floor  directly  over  the 
horse's  head,  as  he  stands  in  the  stall,  to  which  attach  a 
strap  or  piece  of  small  rope  of  sufficient  length  to  extend 
within  fifteen  inches  of  the  floor.  Before  retiring  for  the 
night,  attach  the  other  end  of  the  cord  or  strap  to  the  top 
of  the  halter,  making  it  just  long  enough  to  allow  the  horse 
to  put  his  nose  to  the  floor.  Being  now  unable  to  get  the 
top  of  his  head  to  the  floor,  he  is  prevented  from  rolling. 

PUTTING  THE  TONGUE  OUT  OF  THE   MOUTH. 


Have  fittted  a  piece  of  thin  sheet  iron,  about  two  and  a 
half  inches  wide,  and  five  inches  long,  with  the  ends  made 


96 


JUMPING   OVER   FENCES. 


rounding,  and  the  edges  filed  smooth.  Drill  two  small 
holes  about  half  an  inch  apart,  near  each  edge  at  the  cen- 
ter. Fasten  it  through  these  holes  on  top  of  the  bit  with  a 
piece  of  small  annealed  wire.  Shorten  the  cheek  pieces  of 
the  bridle,  so  that  the  bit  is  drawn  well  up  in  the  mouth. 
This  piece  of  iron  is  now  over  the  tongue,  making  it  im- 
possible for  the  horse  to  get  the  tongue  over  the  bit.  Keep 
this  on  the  bit  for  two  or  three  weeks,  when  the  horse  will 
become  habituated  to  carrying  the  tongue  under  the  bit  and 
keeping  it  in  the  mouth.  The  tongue  is  sometimes,  but  not 
often  put  out  under  the  bit,  which  indicates  a  confirmed 
persistence  in  the  habit,  and  is  sometimes  impossible  to 
prevent.  The  following  treatment  will  work  admirably  in 
most  cases,  and  is  the  only  treatment  worth  explaining: 

Get  three  middling  sized  bullets  and  hammer  them  out  to 
about  an  inch  and  a  half  in  length.  Drill  a  little  hole 
through  the  end  of  each.  Tie  one  to  the  center  of  the  bit 
by  a  little  piece  of  wire  through  the  joint.  Attach  the 
others  to  the  bit  about  an  inch  from  the  center,  (one  on 
each  side,)  so  as  to* play  loosely.  (See  cut.) 


When  this  bit  is  now  in  the  mouth,  these  extra  arrange- 
ments will  so  disconcert  the  horse  that  in  his  struggles  to 
get  them  out  of  the  way,  he  will  forgot  to  put  the  tongue 
out. 

JUMPING  OVER  FENCES. 

Many  farmers  assert  that  this  alone  is  worth  the  entire 
expense  of  the  lesson.  Certainly  if  this  will  prove  so  valua- 


JUMPING    OVER   FENCES. 


97 


The  Jumper  before 
adjusting. 


ble,  the  instruction  on  Taming  and  Changing  Habits  must 
be  invaluable.  If  a  horse  or  mule,  put  on  a  halter  that  fits 
well  to  the  head — a  five  ring  halter  is  best. 
Next  find  a  piece  of  thin  leather,  (an  old 
boot-leg  will  do,)  about  as  long  as  the 
head,  and  from  four  to  five  inches  wider 
than  the  head  is  at  the  eyes.  Form  it  same 
as  cut,  with  a  string  attached  at  each 
corner.  Attach  the  upper  corners  by  the 
strings .  to  the  halter  where  the  brow-piece 
is  attached  to  the  cheek-piece.  Tie  the 
cords  attached  to  the  lower  corners  back  of 
the  jaw  (being  careful  to  leave  just  freedom 
enough  to  masticate  easily.)  Let  the  ends 
now  pass  over  the  throat-latch,  and  make 
fast.  The  horse  is  simply  disabled  from 
looking  ahead.  He  can  look  sidewise  and 
back,  but  cannot  look  ahead  or  over  the 
nose  forward,  which  will  disconcert  suffi- 
ciently to  prevent  the  animal  not  only  jumping,  but  throw- 
ing the  fence  down.  If  an  ox  or  cow,  attach  the  upper 
corners  to  the  horns,  and  pass  the  strings  around  the  neck 
instead  of  over  the  throat-latch.  I  find  that  cows  will  not 
attempt  to  jump  after  this  has  been  used  two  or  three 
weeks.  Horses  and  mules  a  much  longer  time,  and  in  some 
cases  must  be  used  forgnonths.  Of  course  farmers  should 
keep  fences  in  good  repair  to  keep 
stock  from  being  tempted  to  jump 
them.  It  is  fallacy  to  suppose  that 
means,  however  valuable,  can  be 
wholly  relied  upon  for  success,  so 
long  as  the  cause  is  permitted  to 
continue.  The  leather  should  be 
at  least  four  inches  wider  than  the 
head  at  the  eyes,  but  five  or  more 
will  be  much  better.  This  will 
bring  the  leather  outside  of  the  eyes 
when  on,  from  two  to  three  inches, 
and  around  the  side  of  the  face  to  prevent  working  over  the 
nose.  There  may  be  failure  with  this,  but  if  properly  ap- 
plied exceptions  will  be  rare,  as  it  has  proved  so  far  almost 
infallible. 


The  Juniper  Adjusted, 


98  PAWING    IN    THE    STALL. 

PA-WING  IN  THE  STALL. 

Get  a  piece  of  chain  about  ten  inches  in  length — run  a 
short  strap  through  one  of  the  end  links,  and  buckle  it 
around  the  foot  above  the  fetlock;  or  a  piece  of  light  chain 
can  be  fastened  to  a  small  block,  and  attach  it  to  the  foot 
in  the  same  manner.  When  the  horse  attempts  to  paw,  the 
clog  or  chain  rattles  against  the  foot,  and  prevents  a  repe- 
tition of  the  practice. 

KICKING  THE  STALL. 

The  same  treatment  used  for  preventing  pawing  may  be 
used ;  or  a  piece  of  plank  may  be  attached  across  the  stall 
over  the  hips  about  an  inch  higher  than  the  hips.  At  each 
effort  to  kick  now,  the  hind  part  will  strike  this  plank  and 
prevent  ability  to  do  so.  If  the  kicking  is  with  one  foot 
against  side  of  stall,  attach  some  brush  to  the  side  of  the 
stall,  or  hang  down  loosely  over  the  part  kicked  at. 

PULLING  TOO  HARD  ON  BIT,  TURNING  AROUND  WHILE 
DRIVING,  OR  RUNNING  BACK,  were  sufficiently  explained  in 
the  article  on  Running  Away ;  which,  with  the  illustration 
given  in  teaching,  will  give  sufficient  knowledge  of  the 
treatment  necessary  for  these  and  other  habits  not  specially 
mentioned. 

KICKING  COWS. 

Put  on  the  war  bridle,  (small  loop,)  and  pull  a  few  times, 
right  and  left,  then  go  back  gently  and  attempt  to  milk. 
On  the  least  resistance,  hold  with  the  bridle  and  punish 
sharply,  so  repeating  as  may  be  necessary  until  the  cow 
learns  to  stand  quietly  and  becomes  afraid  to  kick.  Effec- 
tual in  every  instance. 

Of  course  due  attention  must  be  given  to  the  condition 
of  the  animal.  Sometimes  the  teats  are  sore,  and  the  pain 
caused  by  milking  is  very  severe.  Scolding,  kicking,  or 
pounding  with  the  stool  should  not  be  permitted,  as  it  only 
increases  the  mischief  it  is  desired  to  avert.  One  or  two 
lessons  have  proved  effectual  in  every  instance  used. 


THE   WAR   BRIDLE. 
THE  WAR  BRIDLE. 


This  is  simply  a  cord  of  the  best  material,  twisted  hard, 
of  about  three-eighths  of  an  inch  in  diameter,  and  twelve 
or  fourteen  feet  long.  Tie  each  end  into  a  hard  knot,  just 
as  you  w6uld  do  to  prevent  its  raveling,  with  the  difference 
of  putting  the  end  through  the  tie  twice.  Then  pull  down 
tight  and  hard  close  to  the  end.  Now  tie  another  knot 
about  twelve  inches  from  the  end,  but  before  drawing  it 
tight,  put  the  end  through.  (See  cut.)  This  will  make  a 
loop  that  will  not  slip  or  draw  through.  The  great  simpli- 
city of  this  form  of  knot,  and  the  ease  with  which  it  can  be 
untied,  gives  it  preference  to  me  over  all  other  forms  of 
knot  I  have  ever  used,  and  is,  in  my  judgment,  the  best 
form  of  knot,  all  things  considered,  to  be  recommended  for 
general  use.  The  peculiar  power  given  by  this  means  upon 
the  mouth  is  liable  to  cause  accident,  when  used  upon  a 
quick,  sensitive  horse  or  green  colt,  with  too  much  energy 
in  such  a  manner  as  to  bring  the  restraint  directly  back 
upon  the  mouth,  which  would  in  many  cases  cause  the  horse 
to  rear  up  and  possibly  fall  over  backward  upon  the  head. 
Of  course  a  horse  is  liable  to  get  killed  by  such  an  accident, 
and  it  must  and  should  be  guarded  against.  This  loop 
should  be  just  large  enough  to  go  over  the  lower  jaw,  back 
of  the  bridle  teeth  of  the  horse  it  is  intended  to  be  used 
upon.  The  other  end  can  now  be  formed  into  another  loop 
in  the  same  manner,  with  the  difference  of  being  large 
enough  to  go  over  the  head  and  fit-  tightly  around  the  neck 
well  back  to  the  shoulder. 

APPLYING  THE  'WAR   BRIDLE. 

There  are  two  ways  of  applying  and  using  the  war  bridle : 

i st.  While  standing  forward  of  the  shoulders  on  the  near 

side  of  the  horse,  throw  the  small  loop  over  the  neck  and 


100  FOUR  RING   BIT. 

take  in  the  left  hand.  Then  with  the  right  put  the  large 
loop  through  from  the  top  side.  Now  pass  the  left  hand 
forward  to  the  mouth,  adroitly  spreading  the  loop  in  the 
same  position  over  the  thumb,  second,  third  and  fourth 
fingers,  at  the  same  time  the  right  hand  is  to  be  passed  under 
the  neck,  around  the  head,  upon  the  nose,  which  is  to  be 
grasped  gently  but  firmly,  while  the  loop  is  put  over  the  jaw 
back  of  the  bridle  teeth  with  the  left. 

By  standing  near  the  shoulder  and  giving  a  sharp  pull, 
you  will  find  the  horse  will  come  to  you  easily,  by  repeating 
which  he  will  soon  learn  to  follow.  This  is  a  powerful 
means  of  controlling  by  the  head;  is  particularly  valuable 
in  teaching  to  lead,  controlling  the  head  in  bridling,  har- 
nessing, grooming,  or  even  in  shoeing,  if  simply  a  little 
irritable.  Drawing  down  tightly  and  tying  into  a  half 
hitch,  will  sometimes  have  a  powerful  effect.  This  is  the 
most  powerful  and  valuable  means  ever  discovered  of  teach- 
ing colts  to  lead,  and  will  enable  handling  even  very  bad 
horses  easily.  It  is  not,  however,  suitable  or  powerful 
enough  to  control  horses  of  a  decidedly  bad  or  stubborn 
character. 

2d.  Take  the  large  loop  between  both  hands,  and  while 
standing  directly  in  front  of  the  horse,  slide  it  over  his  head 
well  back  upon  the  neck,  about  where  the  collar  rests.  The 
loop  should  be  made  in  size  to  fit  tightly  around  this  part  of 
the  neck.  Now  put  the  other  end  down  between  the  loop 
and  neck.  Put  the  loop  this  forms  into  his  mouth  back  of 
the  bridle  teeth,  then  draw  down  upon  the  end  until  the 
slack  is  taken  up.  This  method  of  using  the  war  bridle, 
enables  more  power  sidewise  than  the  first,  but  does  not  like 
the  first  give  power  to  pull  ahead. 

FOUR   KING   BIT. 

This  peculiar  form  of  bit  will  work  in  the  control  of 
some  pullers  with  great  success.  It  is  made  and  used  as 
follows : 

Take  an  ordinary  short  steel  snaffle  bit,  heat  and  bend  in 
the  form  of  a  link  one  of  the  rings,  now  slip  over  this  ring 
two  one  inch  rings,  when  the  ring  previously  bent  is  to  be 
straightened  out  as  before.  You  have  now  a  snafHe  bit, 
with  two  rings  on  the  mouthpiece.  (See  cut.)  Buckle  into 


FOOT    STRAP.  101 

a  common  bridle.  Get 
made  next  two  straps, 
one  two  feet  in  length 
and  three-quarters  of  an 
inch  wide,  made  like  a  name  strap ;  the  other  about  three 
feet  in  length,  narrower  and  lighter.  Run  the  short  strap 
through  both  rings  and  buckle  double,  in  the  form  of  a 
nose-piece,  buckling  just  long  enough  to  fit  around  the  nose 
closely.  Bring  the  long  strap  around  the  short  one  at  the 
center,  pass  up  and  through  a  little  loop  left  in  the  bridle 
between  the  ears  and  buckle,  just  short  enough  to  let  the 
nose-piece  come  straight  across  the  nose.  It  will  now  be 
found  by  standing  in  front  of  the  horse,  putting  both 
thumbs  through  the  rings  and  giving  a  little  jerk  down  and 
backwards,  that  the  head  will  be  thrown  up  and  back  easily. 
The  strap  across  the  nose  will  act  as  a  fulcrum  when  the 
rings  on  the  end  of  the  bit  are  pulled  upon,  the  two  inside 
rings  slide  towards  the  center,  forcing  the  joint  upwards 
against  the  roof  of  the  mouth,  which  causes  so  much  pain 
that  the  horse  will  not  try  to  resist  after  being  pulled  upon 
a  few  times.  As  a  driving  bit  this  is  very  powerful.  After 
being  pulled  upon  a  few  times,  there  are  but  few  horses  that 
will  try  to  resist  it.  It  overcomes  pulling  on  one  rein  or 
throwing  the  nose  upon  the  breast.  The  effect  of  this  bit 
on  some  horses  is  very  great.  It  does  not  cut  or  make  the 
mouth  sore  like  other  bits,  and  would  be  especially  valuable 
on  horses  that  pull  hard  and  get  the  mouth  sore,  as  it  does 
not  touch  the  lower  jaw,  yet  forces  perfect  submission. 

FOOT  STRAP, 

Any  piece  of  strap 
or  rope  of  about  twelve 
or  fourteen  feet  in 
length,  simply  tied 
around  the  fore  foot  in 
most  any  manner,  will 
answer  on  an  emer- 
gency. But  simply 
tying  or  knotting 
around  the  foot  is  ob- 
jectionable on  account 
of  the  danger  of  chafing 


102  TROTTING. 

and  preventing  circulation,  or  possibly  untying  at  some 
critical  moment.  When  necessary  to  use  a  foot-strap 
much,  it  should  be  specially  adapted  for  the  purpose  by 
making  as  follows:  Have  a  smooth  strap  made,  about 
twelve  inches  long  and  an  inch  wide,  with  a  buckle  on 
one  end  and  buckle  holes  punched  in  the  other.  About 
one  inch  from  the  buckle  should  be  fitted,  under  the  lap 
passing  around  the  buckle,  a  ring  or  D  stitched  in  nicely. 
The  edges  of  this  strap  should  be  dressed  down  smooth ;  or 
much  better,  cover  the  part  coming  in  contact  with  the  foot 
with  a  piece  of  soft  leather.  This  strap  is  intended  to  buckle 
around  the  foot  below  the  fetlock.  Into  the  ring  fasten  the 
end  of  a  strap  or  web  fourteen  feet  long  and  an  inch  and  a 
half  wide. 

Buckle  the  short  strap  around  the  near  fore  foot  below  the 
fetlock,  then  pass  the  long  strap  over  the  belly-band  on  the 
near  side  back  to  the  wagon,  and  hold  as  a  rein.  This  gives 
control  of  the  foot  at  will,  by  which  the  horse  can  be  dis- 
abled and  disconcerted  instantly,  while  driving.  If  the  horse 
attempts  to  kick,  simply  pulling  the  foot  up  throws  him  off 
his  balance.  He  can  neither  kick  or  run  back,  and  if  he 
attempts  to  go  ahead  it  must  be  on  three  legs,  in  a  manner 
that  makes  resistance  quite  limited.  It  is  especially  valuable 
when  training  colts  to  drive,  by  neutralizing  the  animal's 
power  to  resist  should  he  become  frightened  and  attempt  to 
kick  or  back.  The  foot-strap  is  also  valuable  as  a  means  of 
enabling  control  of  horses  that  will  not  submit  to  being 
rode,  and  is  very  effective. 

TROTTING. 

A  good  walking  gait  should  be  the  foundation  of  the 
training.  Continue  this  walking  lesson  until  the  colt  is 
thoroughly  gentle  and  submissive,  and  has  learned  to  walk 
with  energy.  Now  gradually  let  out  on  a  moderate  trot, 
holding  up  often,  gradually  letting  out  a  little  faster,  as  the 
strength  and  education  will  bear,  but  never  so  as  to  cause 
fatigue.  Those  muscles  that  are  brought  most  into  use  are 
most  largely  developed,  and  bear  in  mind  also  that  a  colt 
has  neither  the  strength  or  bottom  of  an  old  horse,  to  bear 
either  much  exertion,  or  to  be  pushed  in  his  gait,  and  can- 
not at  once  act  the  part  of  a  fast  going  well  trained  horse. 


TROTTING.  103 

Let  this  jogging  be  continued,  gradually  as  there  is  ambi- 
tion and  the  road  is  smooth  and  descending;  but  let  out 
only  so  fast,  or  to  the  point  that  the  gait  is  held  even  and 
square ;  and  at  first  should  be  pushed  only  a  short  distance, 
after  which  pull  back  to  a  walk  and  speak  encouragingly. 
This  is  to  be  repeated,  gradually  going  a  little  faster,  but 
never  to  the  point  of  exhaustion,  always  encouraging  with 
a  kind  word  or  two  after  doing  well.  I  would  here  caution 
against  hitching  the  colt  to  a  heavy  wagon  or  sulky.  The 
weight  must  be  reduced  as  much  as  possible,  and  the  better 
to  facilitate  the  object,  always  let  the  bursts  of  speed  be  on 
a  smooth,  slightly  descending  piece  of  road.  By  this  pre- 
caution you  will  remove  all  drag,  and  the  horse  is  able  to 
use  all  his  powers  to  the  best  possible  advantage. 

This  careful  driving  and  gradually  teaching  the  animal  to 
push  forward  when  commanded  is  to  be  continued,  but 
however  promising,  the  risk  should  not  be  hazarded  of 
trotting  a  race,  or  a  long  distance,  before  the  system  is 
thoroughly  matured  and  hardened  to  bear  prolonged  exer- 
tion. The  gait  of  many  fine  trotters  is  ruined  by  too  much 
haste  and  harshness  in  training.  A  horse  has  not  his  growth 
until  five  years  old,  and  should  not  be  put  to  severe  work 
before  six  or  seven  years  old.  It  is  proved  by  experience 
that  much  greater  age  is  necessary  to  attain  great  speed. 
Flora  Temple  made  her  fastest  time  of  two  minutes  nineteen 
and  three-quarter  seconds,  when  she  was  fifteen  years  old, 
at  Kalamazoo.  Dexter  is  constantly  increasing  his  speed, 
we  are  informed,  by  age  and  practice;  and  so  it  will  be 
found  with  all  the  best  trotters.  They  were  grown  into 
great  speed  by  careful,  persevering  work,  by  which  the 
system  is  highly  developed,  the  muscles  are  strengthened 
and  hardened,  and  useless  foul  matter  that  would  obstruct 
the  free  action  of  the  heart  and  lungs,  and  ^increase  the 
weight,  is  removed. 

Should  the  horse  break  when  pushed  in  his  gait,  he  should 
not  be  pulled  up  too  suddenly,  which  would  slacken  his 
speed.  Rather  encourage  him  to  go  faster,  and  by  gently 
and  firmly  pulling  right  and  left  bring  him  to  the  trot.  The 
horse  has  now  no  disposition  to  resist  control,  and  he  must 
be  taught  to  rely  upon  with  confidence,  as  well  as  yield 
submission  to  the  control  and  restraint  of  the  bit. 


104  TO    FORCE    ON    THE    TROT. 

TO  FOKCE  ON  THE  TEOT. 

There  are  many  promising  steppers  that  will  break  and 
run,  and  will  not  come  down  to  work  again,  when  much 
excited ;  and  unless  there  is  power  to  prevent  such  a  habit 
and  force  on  the  trot,  the  horse  cannot  be  relied  upon  in  a 
race,  at  perhaps  the  very  instant  pushing  is  necessary. 
There  is  not  power  to  do  this  by  the  bit,  and  consequently 
horses  that  step  freely  in  private  become  foolish  and  unre- 
liable when  urged  in  company  with  other  horses.  There  is 
but  one  way  of  overcoming  this  trouble,  and  that  is  by  the 
use  of  the  following  means,  the  conception  of  which  has 
been  original  with  myself,  and  brought  to  the  notice  of 
trainers  by  me  for  several  years,  and  has  proved  in  skillful 
hands  a  valuable  adjunct,  to  the  end  of  making  flighty,  ner- 
vous horses  come  down  to  fast,  reliable  going. 

Have  made  first  four  straps 
long  enough  to  go  around  the 
hind  legs  above  the  hocks, 
and  from  three  quarters  to  an 
inch  wide.  Obtain  next  two 
D's  or  rings,  in  size  to  admit 
two  each  of  these  straps 
to  be  run  through.  Step 
in  front  of  each  hind  leg  and 
buckle  these  straps  around 
the  leg,  one  above  and  one 

.     ,        &',  111          •  Cure  for  Breaking. 

below  the  gambrel,  the  ring 

or  D  in  front,  bringing  the  straps  to  an  acute  angle.  Put 
on  the  head  a  light  well-fitting  halter.  Attach  a  strap  to 
this,  which  must  be  in  part  double  to  regulate  the  angle, 
and  must  be  long  enough  to  extend  from  the  head  to  the 
back  edge  of  the  girt.  On  the  end  is  to  be  attached  a 
small,  nice,  easy  running  pulley,  fitted  to  run,  a  half-inch 
cord.  The  strap  is  to  pass  back  from  the  halter,  between 
the  legs,  over  the  belly-band,  just  back  of  which  must  come 
this  pulley.  Take  next  a  piece  of  firm,  hard  cotton  or  hemp 
cord,  from  three-eighths  to  half  an  inch  in  size.  Run  it 
through  the  pulley  to  the  center,  and  tie  the  ends  into  the 
D's  or  rings  attached  to  the  hind  legs;  the  whole  to  be  so 
regulated  in  length  that  the  horse  can  walk  or  trot  easily.. 
This  is  similar  to  the  kicking  straps  described  on  page  78. 


TO  FORCE  ON  THE  TROT.  105 

(See  cut.)  One  leg  going  forward  to  *fhe  degree  that  the 
opposite  one  goes  baqk,  brings  no  restraint  on  the  cord  or 
head,  but  the  instant  both  feet  go  back  as  in  the  act  of 
running,  the  cord  is  shortened,  the  head  is  drawn  back,  and 
the  horse  is  taught  that  he  is  helpless.  He  soon  learns  this 
and  becomes  afraid  to  break,  though  subjected  to  any  rea- 
sonable excitement.  With  this  "rig"  on,  move  the  horse 
on  a  walk  until  accustomed  to  it,  which  will  usually  require 
but  a  very  short  time.  Then  let  out  on  a  moderate  trot, 
and  when  thoroughly  accustomed  to  it  pushing  to  a  fast 
gait.  This  must  be  repeated.  In  fact  this  arrangement 
should  be  kept  on  until  the  horse  is  made  reliable.  Should 
be  driven  and  thoroughly  practiced  with  other  horses,  and 
excitement  made  as  if  in  a  race.  Of  course  all  this  requires 
ingenuity,  patience  and  care. 

This  will  work  best  on  some  horses  by  attaching  to  the 
collar,  or  around  the  neck.  The  restraint  is  simply  more 
positive  by  this  change. 

One  gentleman  in  Ohio,  two  years  since,  came  one 
hundred  and  fifty  miles  to  get  this  treatment  of  me,  and  in 
three  months  afterwards  he  informed  me  that  he  had  since 
sold  a  mare  for  fifteen  hundred  dollars  which  he  had  bought 
for  three  hundred  and  seventy-five  dollars.  She  would 
break  when  in  the  least  excited,  and  could  be  made  nothing 
of,  though  a  fast  stepper.  He  bought  her,  made  the  experi- 
ment, and  in  less  than  a  month  had  her  down  fine,  and 
could  hold  her  under  the  whip  regardless  of  yelling  and  the 
excitement  of  competing  horses.  This  gentleman  informed 
me  he  then  had  a  horse  that  promised  equally  good  results 
by  this  treatment. 
5* 


106 


BREEDING. 


Intelligent  and  Gentle. 


BREEDING. 

One  of  the  primary  points 
of  success  is  to  start  right, 
and  in  no  respect  is  this 
more  essential  than  in  breed- 
ing. The  law  of  like  pro-* 
ducing  like  is  inexorable ; 
consequently  it  is  seen  that 
to  raise  good  horses,  good 
horses  must  be  bred  from. 
Many  farmers  who  are  other- 
wise -keenly  alive  to  their 
interest,  are  singularly 
thoughtless  and  imprudent 
in  this.  If  a  mare  is  broken 
down  and  unfit  for  labor,  no 
matter  how  coarse,  badly 
formed,  or  what  the  evidence 
of  constitutional  unsoundness,  she  is  reserved  to  breed  from. 
Again  the  cheapest  horse,  no  matter  how  coarse  if  sleek 
and  fat,  is  selected  arrd  employed  to  breed  from.  The  most 
ignorant  farmer  is  particular  to  select  the  largest  and  soun- 
dest potatoes,  the  cleanest  wheat  and  oats,  for  seed,  etc. 
He  has  learned  this  is 
true  economy.  Yet 
there  seems  to  be  the 
most  utter  disregard 
of  this  law  of  pru- 
dence in  the  breed- 
ing of  horses  and 
farm  stock  in  general. 
During  my  long  ex- 
perience before  the 
public,  I  have  en- 
deavored to  impress 
upon  farmers,  when 
I  could,  that  this  sort 
of  economy  is  like 
paying  a  quarter  for  a 
Chicken,  and  giving  a  Dull  and  Treacherous. 

dollar  to  have  it  taken  home. 


BREEDING. 


107 


It  costs  just  as  much  to  raise  a  poor,  coarse  blooded  colt, 
as  a  fine  blooded  one.  The  cost  of  feeding  and  care  is 
really  the  same,  the  only  difference  in  cost  being  in  that  of 
the  use  of  the  horse.  The  first  will  possibly  sell  when  five 
years  old  and  trained  to  harness,  for  from  a  hundred 
to  a  hundred  and  fifty  dollars.  The  other  is  worth 
from  three  hundred  to  a  thousand,  and  possibly  more. 
The  first  will  scarcely  sell  for  the  cost  of  feeding  and 
care.  The  second  ensures  a  large  profit,  and  this  for 
a  little  additional  first  cost.  And  then  the  satisfaction  of 
having  fine  valuable  animals,  that  can  go  along  if  necessary, 

able  to  do  any  kind 
of  work  easily,  and 
saleable  for  a  larger 
price,  is  a  source  of 
no  ordinary  pleasure 
and  encouragement, 
if  from  no  other 
feeling  than  that  of 
contributing  so 
largely  to  increased 
economy  and  wealth. 
The  fact  is,  breeding 
from  poor,  unsound 
horses  is  so  much  a 
detriment,  that  it 
would  be  a  damage 
to  any  one  to  be 
compelled  to  breed  from  such  stock,  if  given  for  the  purpose. 

IN    RUSSIA,    PRUSSIA   AND   AUSTRIA, 

the  breeding  of  horses  is  controlled  by  the  governments, 
each  one  having  large  breeding  establishments,  where  those 
wishing,  can  procure  sound  stallions,  devoid  of  all  heredi- 
tary diseases.  Each  stallion  is  furnished  with  a  certificate 
from  the  government.  No  other  stallions  are  allowed  to 
serve  mares,  under  a  penalty.  The  result  is,  that  you  will 
scarcely  find  an  unsound  horse,  except  by  accidents,  etc. 
Hereditary  diseases,  such  as  ophthalma,  roaring,  rupture, 
spavin,  ringbone,  curby  hock,  spongy  feet,  etc.,  scarcely 
known.  It  would  be  a  source  of  undoubted  economy  and 
benefit  to  the  breeders,  if  the  legislature  of  each  State  would 


Naturally  Sensitive  and  Shy. 


108  BREEDING. 

enact  such  laws,  by  appointing  competent  inspectors  to 
grant  licenses  to  those  free  from  blemish  or  hereditary  dis- 
eases or  unsoundness. 

A  few  years'  breeding,  under  such  restrictions,  would 
materially  increase  the  value  of  horses  in  each  State,  and 
thus  be  a  real  blessing  to  owners  and  the  country. 

In  selecting  a  stallion,  look  first  carefully  at  his  head.  The 
nostrils  should  be  large  and  well  defined ;  eyes,  that  they 
are  full,  bright,  and  clear;  good  breadth  between  the  eyes; 
the  ears  lively  and  rather  short  and  tapering,  and  the  head 
high  between  the  ears;  next,  that  the  throat  shows  no  en- 
largements of  the  glands,  showing  a  disposition  to  be  a 
whistler  or  roarer;  next,  the  shoulder  should  be  oblique, 
strong  and  high;  then  the  fore  leg,  see  that  it  is  not  tied  in 
(as  it  is  termed)  under  the  knee,  for  such  are  liable  to 
spring;  then  the  feet  should  be  of  good  size,  sufficient 
depth  to  be  strong  in  the  quarters;  spongy  and  flat  feet 
should  be  rejected;  next,  the  loin  should  be  strong,  the 
back  should  be  well  coupled,  quarters  broad  from  point  to 
point  of  hips,  and  running  nearly  straight  out  to  root  of 
tail ;  stifle  should  stand  low  and  well  out ;  hocks  broad  and 
strong;  no  puffs  or  wind  galls,  as  it  indicates  weakness. 
As  a  colt  from  such  a  horse  at  an  early  age,  may  show  indi- 
cations of  blood  spavin  or  thorough  pin,  look  at  the  inside 
of  the  hock,  an  enlargement  at  the  point  of  what  is  called 
a  jack  spavin  or  curb,  enlargement  on  the  back  of  the  leg ; 
next,  at  the  foot,  that  there  is  no  enlargement  at  the  edge 
of  the  hoof,  known  as  ringbone;  weak  eyes,  or  blindness, 
poll  evil,  fistula  of  withers,  or  in  fact  any  cause  of  unsound- 
ness  should  discard  a  stallion.  I  need  not  remind  that  the 
mare  should  be  selected  with  the  same  care.  Heaves, 
broken  wind,  and  marked  contraction  of  the  feet  should 
discard  a  horse,  and  I  would  by  all  means  discard  a  bad 
tempered  one.  The  horse  should  be  in  good  health  or  con- 
dition. This  implies  that  he  has  been  subjected  to  moder- 
ate but  regular  exercise  during  the  season.  A  horse  that  is 
driven  hard  and  hurried  from  place  to  place,  perhaps  over- 
heated and  made  to  cover  from  two  to  four  or  five  mares  a 
day,  should  be  regarded  as  unsafe,  and  the  colt  liable  to 
lack  vitality. 

To  be  successful  in  breeding  any  particular  variety  of 
horses  requires  first  decision  as  to  the  purpose  for  which 


THE    MARE.  109 

intended.  To  be  particular  requires  first,  intention  as  to 
purpose  for  which  intended.  If  heavy  draft  horses,  evenly 
trotting  roadsters,  or  ponies  are  required,  select  both  dam 
and  sire  with  special  reference  to  the  kind  of  stock  wanted. 
If  the  mare  is  light  boned  or  defective,  select  a  heavier 
boned  horse,  one  that  possesses  the  contrast  of  greater 
strength  or  better  points  in  that  respect.  But  to  ensure 
much  certainty  of  what  you  would  have,  the  mare  and 
horse  should  be  as  nearly  the  type  desired  as  possible, 
though  not  related.  I  would  be  very  particular  about  dis- 
position and  intelligence.  The  head  should  be  broad 
between  the  eyes,  muzzle  small,  short  or  middling  short 
from  eyes  to  ears.  The  smaller  and  rounder  the  eyes,  the 
more  positive  will  be  the  temper.  (See  cuts.)  To  have  a 
horse  sensitive,  intelligent,  courageous,  and  naturally  docile, 
there  must  be  large  brain,  the  eye  must  be  large,  standing 
well  out,  and  mild  in  expression. 

Of  course  it  is  understood  that  BAD   TREATMENT  WILL 

SPOIL  THE  BEST  TEMPERED  HORSES,  AND  GOOD  TREATMENT 
WILL  MAKE  GOOD  SAFE  ANIMALS  OF  THE  WORST. 

THE  MARE. 

The  mare  is  said  to  go  with  foal  eleven  months  or  three 
hundred  days ;  but  it  is  not  uncommon  for  mares  to  have 
fully  developed  foals  in  much  less  time,  and  in  many 
instances  mares  have  been  known  to  go  four  or  five  weeks 
beyond  this  time.  Time  should  be  so  arranged  in  putting 
mares,  that  the  colts  will  come  at  a  time  when  there  is  some 
grass,  as  the  mare  will  do  better  not  to  be  confined  to  dry 
feed.  The  virgin  mare,  or  one  that  has  not  had  a  colt,  for 
one  season,  must  be  put  when  she  is  found  in  season.  The 
mare  that  has  had  a  colt  will  be  found  in  season,  and  should 
be  put  on  the  eighth  or  ninth  day  after  foaling;  some  prefer 
the  eighth,  others  the  eleventh.  Good  judges  claim  that  it 
is  dangerous  to  go  beyond  the  tenth,  as  the  mare  is  apt  to 
come  off  her  heat  soon  after,  and  if  allowed  to  go  to  a  later 
period,  the  sucking  of  the  colt  is  likely  to  reduce  the  mare 
too  much  to  allow  conception  to  take  place,  and  thus  a 
year's  service  of  the  breeder  is  lost. 

After  putting  a  mare,  the  days  for  trial  are  the  ninth  after 
service,  the  seventh  after  this,  the  fifth  after  this  again. 


110  STABLING. 

Some  commence  again,  commencing  with  the  ninth  day 
and  follow  up  as  before,  making  forty-two  days.  Twenty- 
one  days  being  the  period  elapsing  between  a  mare's  going 
out  of  heat,  and  coming  in  again,  making  her  periodical 
term  thirty  days.  Twenty-one  days  is  claimed  to  be  suffi- 
cient to  prove  a.  mare. 

The  mare  and  colt  should  be  well  fed,  and  protected 
from  storms.  The  theory  of  working  a  mare  hard,  and 
half  starving  the  colt,  is  the  poorest  kind  of  economy, 
since  the  mare  needs  generous  feed  and  rest,  to  renew  her 
strength  and  make  her  milk,  by  which  of  course  the  colt  is 
nourished  and  made  to  grow.  When  size  and  strength  will 
indicate  that  it  is  time  to  wean,  which  is  usually  in  five  or 
six  months,  put  the  colt  in  a  quiet  pasture,  away  from  the 
mare,  where  it  should  be  closely  looked  after.  A  little 
oats,  (better  if  bruised,)  should  be  given  daily. 

The  conclusion  of  careful  breeders  is,  that  it  is  much 
better  for  a  colt  to  run  in  pasture,  than  to  be  confined  in  a 
stable.  If  the  colt  is  intended  for  farm  use,  castration  may 
be  performed  when  six  months  old ;  if,  however,  the  withers 
are  light,  it  should  be  -postponed  until  the  head  and  neck 
fills  up  to  the  degree  required,  and  this  may  require  from 
one  to  two  years,  or  even  more.  If  the  head  is  large  and 
heavy,  early  castration  is  advisable.  Colts  should  be  gen- 
erously fed,  and  protected  from  the  inclemency  of  the 
weather  in  winter.  They  should  be  treated  gently.  May 
be  broken  early  to  harness,  if  treated  gently  and  with  care. 
This,  however,  is  hazardous,  as  there  is  danger  of  over- 
driving young  colts  if  they  are  driven  at  all.  Many  seem 
to  take  pride  in  trials  to  which  they  subject  two  or  three 
year  old  colts.  It  is  not  what  they  can  do,  but  what  they 
ought  to  be  required  to  do. 

STABLING. 

Pure  air  is  not  only  an  absolute  essential  in  securing  and 
retaining  the  perfect  health  of  horses,  but  is  the  cheapest 
and  most  easily  available.  The  stable  should  be  so  located 
and  constructed  as  to  enable  this  most  perfectly,  as  well  as 
afford  the  greatest  convenience  and  comfort,  thus  ensuring 
health  and  economy.  It  should  be  built  on  a  dry,  airy 
location,  facing  the  south,  large  enough  to  give  ample 


STABLING.  Ill 

room,  warm  and  well  lighted,  yet  well  ventilated.  The 
stalls  should  be  at  least  five  feet  wide  for  work  'horses,  and 
if  fine  horses  that  are  worked  but  little,  they  should  be 
large  enough  to  enable  stepping  around  freely.  If  there  is 
room,  a  box  stall  is  the  best,  but  it  should  not  be  close. 
The  door,  at  least,  should  be  made  of  slats,  and  a  window 
above  the  head,  so  arranged  that  it  can  be  thrown  open  to 
give  light  and  ventilation.  The  door  should  be  large,  to 
preclude  injury  by  striking  the  sides  or  hips  against  the 
posts,  and  there  should  be  a  reasonably  large  yard,  which 
should  be  well  fenced.  If  a  manger  and  rack  of  the  com- 
mon form  across  the  stall  is  used,  I  would  suggest  an  im- 
provement upon  that  in  general  use. 

First.  It  should  be  so  constructed  that  the  horse  cannot 
waste  the  feed  while  eating,  yet  should  not  be  very  high — 
the  top  about  three  and  a  half  feet  from  the  floor. 

The  rack,  instead  of  sloping  out  over  the  head  of  the 
horse,  should  stand  straight,  or  perpendicular,  which  will 
prevent  hay  seed  and  dust  from  falling  upon  the  horse's 
head,  and  enable  catching  and  pulling  the  hay  more  easily 
from  the  rack,  and  the  back  so  inclined  forward  that  the 
hay  will  all  the  time  be  in  the  horse's  reach.  The  bottom 
should  be  open  like  the  front,  so  that  the  dust  can  drop 
through  to  the  floor. 

The  best  form  of  manger  I  have  seen,  both  for  conve- 
nience, safety  and  health,  is  that  so  constructed  that  there 
is  an  alley  in  front  of  the  head.  The  place  for  hay  is  a 
sort  of  box,  on  one  side  of  which  is  a  feed  box,  which 
should  be  large  enough  to  prevent  throwing  the  feed  out 
while  eating.  The  hitching  ring  should  be  on  the  off  or 
farther  side,  to  prevent  the  strap  being  caught  by  the  foot. 
The  manger  should  be  about  on  a  level  with  the  shoulders. 
The  nearer  the  horse  is  made  to  imitate  his  position  when . 
eating  in  the  field  the  better.  But  this  is  not  admissible  in 
the  construction  of  the  manger,  since  the  horse  would 
waste  the  feed.  This  form  of  feeding  box  and  manger  is 
cleaner.  There  is  not  that  temptation  to  give  more  hay  at 
a  time  than  the  horse  may  need.  The  manger  can  be 
reached  easily  and  safely;  in  feeding  the  hay  is  easily 
thrown  upon  the  floor,  where  it  can  be  easily  shaken  up 
and  thrown  fresh  and  palatable  to  the  horse.  It  obviates 
the  usual  temptation  of  a  receptacle  under  the  manger,  in 


112  STABLING. 

which  to  pack,  during  the  day,  a  lot  of  poisonous  bedding, 
and  finally  there  is  the  best  of  ventilation,  as  the  air  can 
freely  circulate  in  front  of  the  manger.  Every  stable  should 
have  a  sort  of  chimney,  or  opening  at  the  top,  to  allow  of 
the  bad  air  to  pass  out  freely.  The  windows  should  be  so 
placed  as  to  admit  light  enough  that  the  ordinary  work  of 
the  stable  can  be  done  without  opening  the  doors,  which 
should  have  shutters  to  enable  darkening  the  stable  if  ne- 
cessary, when  flies  are  troublesome,  or  to  permit  sleep  in 
the  day  time,  which  is  often  necessary.  The  walls,  if  any, 
in  front  should  not  be  whitewashed,  as  is  often  done,  as 
pure  white  would  injure  the  eyes.  The  color  should  be 
made  neutral  by  adding  some  brown  or  other  coloring  mat- 
ter. A  cellar  stable,  unless  so  constructed  as  to  enable  at 
all  times  the  most  perfect  ventilation,  is  dangerous ;  yet  one 
of  the  best  stables  I  have  seen  was  what  would  be  termed  a 
cellar  stable,  which  was  simply  a  series  of  box  mangers 
running  across  the  whole  size  of  the  building,  with  a  pas- 
sage-way running  lengthwise  through  the  centre,  thus  giving 
free  access  to  each  range  from  the  end,  from  which  was  a 
run-way  to  the  floor  above ;  but  there  was  a  series  of  little 
open  grates  around  the  entire  room  near  the  ceiling,  which 
gave  perfect  ventilation.  A  special  point  I  would  call  at- 
tention to,  viz. :  not  having,  on  any  condion,  a  stall  so 
constructed  as  to  have  a  stone  or  brick  wall  on  one  side,  or 
have  the  naked  wall  form  one  side  of  a  stall.  The  temper- 
ature of  one  side  is  so  much  lower  than  that  of  the  other, 
that  derangement  of  the  circulation  must  result,  causing 
cold  and  injury  that  is  often  the  cause  of  spoiling  a  valuable 
horse.  If  a  stall  is  so  located,  line  the  wall  with  plank. 
The  construction  of  farmer's  stables  is  generally  bad,  the 
stalls  being  too  narrow  and  short,  the  hay  rack  too  high, 
and  the  top  part  standing  too  far  forward  over  the  head. 
In  many  cases  they  are  but  little  better  than  a  close,  dark 
box,  without  any  adequate  means  of  ventilation  when  the 
doors  are  closed,  and  if  they  are  open  there  is  usually  so 
much  draft  of  air  as  to  cause  cold,  just  as  those  occupying 
a  close,  warm  room  are  made  to  feel  keenly  any  sudden 
current  of  cold  air  that  may  be  admitted  into  the  room  by 
too  suddenly  throwing  the  doors  open  while  warm.  The 
sudden  influx  of  cold  air  would  check  perspiration  and  close 
the  pores  of  the  skin,  thereby  endangering  some  acute  form- 
of  inflammation. 


FEEDING.  113 

Again,  the  stables  are  usually  built  over  a  cellar,  which  is 
perhaps  half  filled  with  water  and  manure  that  throws  up- 
ward through  the  floor  a  deadly  miasma  that  lays  the  found- 
ation of  disease.  The  rack  is  crammed  with  hay,  the  dust 
and  dirt  of  which  is  forced  against  the  horse's  nose.  The 
manger  is  half  filled  with  filth  and  trash.  The  bedding, 
thoroughly  impregnated  with  ammonia,  is  rolled  under 
the  manger  in  the  morning,  to  saturate  and  poison  the  hay 
above  it  in  the  rack,  or  such  other  food  as  may  be  given  the 
animal.  The  usual  bad  ventilation  and  high  temperature 
of  cellar  stables  make  too  great  and  violent  a  change  in  the 
temperature  when  taken  in  or  out,  and  the  consequence  will 
be  cold  cough,  with  great  disposition  to  attacks  of  pneu- 
monia, or  lung  fever.  Humanity  and  true  self  interest 
should  prompt  to  looking  to  these  errors  being  corrected  in 
the  construction  of  the  horse's  places  of  living,  and  as  these 
ends  can  be  attained  without  any  extra  expense  worthy  of 
consideration  that  is  necessary  for  the  construction  of  a 
poor  one,  it  is  a  duty  which  is  a  really  suicidal  policy  to 
neglect. 

I  would  suggest,  in  conclusion,  that  the  flooring  of  stalls 
or  a  stable  should  never  be  made  of  hard  wood,  such  as 
oak,  ash,  chestnut,  etc.,  as  it  wears  smooth  and  endangers 
slipping  and  injury  of  the  horse  in  getting  up.  The  best 
wood  for  flooring  is  elm,  spruce,  hard  pine,  hemlock,  or 
any  wood  that  will  wear  rough  and  prevent  slipping. 

FEEDING. 

Hay,  corn  fodder,  oats  and  corn,  constitute  the  principal 
food  of  horses  in  this  country.  Hay  and  oats  in  the  North- 
ern States,  fodder  and  corn  in  the  South.  The  food  should 
be  in  quality  and  quantity  to  impart  strength,  vitality  and 
elasticity,  and  this  requires  some  discrimination  and  care, 
as  the  food  should  be  harmonized  both  to  the  condition, 
and  the  severity  of  the  labor  to  which  the  horse  is  sub- 
jected. As  a  rule,  the  stomach  should  not  be  distended 
with  food  .when  prolonged,  energetic  effort  is  desired,  as  the 
heart  and  lungs  would  thereby  be  much  impeded  in  their 
action,  and  congestion  and  rupturing  of  or  enlarging  of  the 
air  cells  of  the  lungs  may  result.  This  is  to  be  especially 
guarded  against  in  the  feeding  of  hay.  Greedy  eaters  can 


114  FEEDING. 

and  will  gorge  themselves  by  eating  so  much  hay  as  to  be 
unfit  for  active  labor,  and  is  usually  shown  to  result  in 
heaves  or  broken  wind.  Heaves  are  always  found  in  the 
teamsters'  or  carters'  stables,  where  there  is  no  care  in  feed- 
ing. This  disease  is  always  found  among  horses  of  the 
above  class,  but  never  found  among  racing  horses,  from  the 
fact  that  the  utmost  prudence  and  care  is  used  in  selecting 
the  food,  and  feeding  in  smaller  quantities,  or  in  adapting 
the  food  more  perfectly  to  the  wants  of  the  system. 

It  has  been  demonstrated  beyond  doubt  that  the  reason 
horses  improve  so  much  in  wind  by  eating  prairie  hay  is, 
that  it  is  so  coarse  that  horses  cannot  eat  it  fast  enough  to 
overload  the  stomach.  The  quantity  of  hay  should  be 
carefully  regulated,  and  never  as  much  given  as  the  horse 
will  eat  if  at  all  voracious.  The  majority  of  owners  pack  a 
large  rack  full,  allowing  either  liberty  to  eat  too  much,  or 
making  it  unpalatable  and  unhealthy,  by  being  breathed 
upon.  From  eight  to  ten  pounds  is  about  the  average 
quantity  for  an  ordinary  roadster  to  be  allowed  in  twenty- 
four  hours,  more  or  less,  according  to  size,  the  kind  of 
work,  and  the  quantity  of  grain  given.  Dusty  or  mouldy 
hay  should  not  be  fed,  as  it  is  liable  to  produce  various  forms 
of  disease. 

All  food  should  be  clean,  and  in  quality  perfect.  Hay  is 
most  perfect  when  it  is  about  a  year  old.  Horses  would 
perhaps  prefer  earlier,  but  it  is  neither  so  wholesome  nor  so 
nutritious,  and  may  purge.  When  it  is  a  year  old  it  should 
retain  much  of  its  green  color  and  agreeable  smell.*  The 
blades  of  corn  pulled  and  cured  in  the  summer  are  unques- 
tionably much  better  than  hay.  I  should  certainly  prefer 
this  kind  of  fodder  to  any  kind  of  hay,  for  fine  horses.  It 
is  strange  that  it  is  not  prized  more  highly  in  the  North. 

Oats  make  more  muscle  than  corn.  Corn  makes  fat  and 
warmth.  Hence,  the  colder  the  weather,  the  more  corn 
may  be  given,  and  the  harder  the  work,  the  more  oats. 
Oats  should  be  a  year  old,  heavy,  dry  and  sweet.  New 
oats  will  weigh  from  ten  to  fifteen  per  cent,  more  than  old 
ones ;  but  the  difference  is  principally  water.  New  oats  are 
said  to  be  more  difficult  to  digest,  and  when  in  considerable 

*  KOTK  1.— In  packing  or  stacking  bay.  salt  should  be  slightly  sprinkled 
through  it  so  as  to  detroy  insects.  It  also  aids  in  preserving  it  bright,  and  makes 
it  more  palatable  and  healthy  for  the  horse. 


FEEDING.  115 

quantity  are  apt  to  cause  flatulency  and  derangement  of  the 
stomach  and  bowels.  The  same  may  be  said  of  corn.  If  not 
sound  and  dry,  it  may  be  regarded  even  much  more  dan- 
gerous than  oats,  and  should  not  be  fed.  Doing  so  will  be 
at  the  hazard  of  the  consequences  above  mentioned. 

The  quantity  of  oats  given  daily  may  vary  from  eight  to 
sixteen  quarts.  If  the  horse  is  large,  and  the  work  is  severe, 
a  little  more  may  be  given.  Corn  should  be  fed  in  the  ear, 
and  like  oats  must  be  regulated  in  quantity  to  the  size  and 
labor  of  the  animal ;  from'five  to  twelve  good  sized  ears  are 
a  feed.  I  give  a  larger  proportion  of  feed  at  night,  and  less 
in  the  morning  and  noon.  There  is  ample  time  for  diges- 
tion during  the  night.  There  is  not  during  the  day,  if  the 
labor  is  severe.  Experience  proves  that  some  mildly  cooling 
laxative  food  should  be  occasionally  given.  A  bran  mash, 
made  by  pouring  boiling  water  on  eight  or  ten  quarts  of 
wheat  bran,  covered  over  until  cool  and  fed  at  night,  from 
once  to  three  times  a  week,  is  the  "finest  and  best. 

Carrots  are  a  good  laxative  and  alterative  before  frost, 
but  are  too  cold  and  constipating  during  cold  weather.  They 
may  be  fed  in  October,  November  and  December,  but  in 
the  Northern  States  not,  later.  (I  am  governed  by  the 
judgment  of  one  of  the  best  veterinary  surgeons  in  the 
United  States,  based  upon  careful  and  critical  observation 
of  effects  on  a  large  number  of  horses,  on  this  point.)  I 
feed  Irish  potatoes,  from  one  to  three  quarts,  with  the  usual 
quantity  of  grain,  from  two  to  three  or  four  times  a  week, 
and  would  recommend  their  use.  Think  their  value  cannot 
be  over-estimated.  Feeding  a  small  quantity  of  roots  and 
giving  bran  mashes,  keeps  the  bowels  open  and  the  system 
in  a  uniform,  healthy  condition.  Without  them  constipa- 
tion is  probable,  and  this  is  one  of  the  primary  causes  of 
diarrhoea,  colic,  or  inflammation  of  the  bowels.  If  it  is 
desired  to  make  a  horse  fat  in  a  short  time,  feed  corn  meal 
and  shorts,  with  cut  straw,  to  which  add  a  pint  of  cheap 
molasses.  Nothing  like  this  for  recruiting  and  filling  up  a 
horse  that  is  out  of  sorts  or  poor.  If  the  horse  eats  too  fast, 
put  a  few  round  stones  in  the  feed  box.  He  must  now  pick 
.  the  food  from  among  the  stones,  and  thus  he  is  compelled 
to  eat  slowly. 

If  the  horse  is  exhausted,  or  when  sufficient  time  cannot 
be  allowed  for  him  to  eat  and  partially  digest  a  full  meal, 


116  WATERING. 

he  may  be  greatly  refreshed  by  a  draught  of  warm  gruel,  or 
in  summer,  of  cold  water  containing  a  small  quantity  of 
meal.  To  give  some  idea  of  the  routine  of  feeding  and 
watering  when  great  care  is  necessary,  I  include  the  system 
of  feeding  and  watering  Mr.  Bonner's  famous  trotting  horse, 
Dexter: 

"  At  six  every  morning,  Dexter  has  all  the  water  he  wants, 
and  two  quarts  of  oats.  After  eating,  he  is  '  walked '  for 
half  an  hour  or  more,  then  cleaned  off,  and  at  nine  has  two 
quarts  more  of  oats.  If  no  drive  is  on  the  card  for  after- 
noon, he  is  given  a  half  to  three-quarters  of  an  hour  of 
gentle  exercise.  At  one  o'clock  he  has  oats  again,  as  before, 
limited  to  two  quarts. 

"  From  three  to  four,  he  is  driven  twelve  to  fifteen  miles; 
after  which  he  is  cleaned  off  and  rubbed  thoroughly  dry. 

"  He  has  a  bare  swallow  of  water  on  returning  from  the 
drive,  but  is  allowed  free  access  to  his  only  feed  of  hay,  of 
which  he  consumes  from  five  to  six  pounds. 

"If  the  drive  has  been  a  particularly  sharp  one,  he  is 
.treated  as  soon  as  he  gets  in,  to  a  quart  or  two  of  oat  meal 
gruel;  and  when  thoroughly  cooled,  has  half  a  pail  of 
water  and  three  quarts  of  oats,  with  two  quarts  of  bran 
moistened  with  hot  water. 

"Before  any  specially  hard  day's  work  or  trial  of  his 
speed,  his  allowance  of  water  is  still  more  reduced." 

WATERING. 

If  a  large  quantity  of  cold  water  is  taken  into  the  stomach 
while  the  system  is  agitated  and  sensitive,  by  the  circulation 
being  so  increased  as  to  open  the  pores  of  the  skin  freely, 
it  is  liable  to  so  chill  the  stomach  as  to  derange  the  circula- 
tion and  close  the  pores  of  the  skin,  and  thus  excite  some 
one  of  the  common  alimentary  derangements  of  colic  or 
inflammation  of  the  bowels.  Hard  water,  especially  cold 
well  water,  is  more  liable  to  cause  mischief  in  this  way  than 
soft  water.  Hard  water  will  derange  some  horses,  so  much 
as  to  show  an  almost  immediate  effect  of  causing  the  hair  to 
look  rough  or  stare,  the  appetite  deranged,  if  not  indeed 
preceded  by  colic  or  inflammation  of  the  bowels;  also, 
horses  that  are  raised  and  worked  in  the  country,  where  the 
water  is  strongly  impregnated  with  lime,  are  troubled  a 


WATERING.  117 

good  deal  with  intestinal  calculi,  i.  e.,  stone  in  the  bladder. 
Hence  soft  water  should  be  given,  if  convenient;  and  if 
well  water,  especially  while  warm,  it  should  either  have  the 
chill  taken,  off  or  be  given  very  sparingly. 

The  best  time  to  water  is  about  half  an  hour  before  feed- 
ing. While  driving,  the  rule  should  be  little  and  often. 
None,  or  only  a  swallow  or  two,  should  be  given  at  the 
close  of  a  drive,  until  cool.  If  very  warm,  the  horse  should 
be  walked  moderately  where  there  is  not  a  current  of  air  to 
strike  him,  from  ten  to  thirty  minutes,  as  may  be  found 
necessary.  If,  then,  any  danger  is  apprehended,  the  chill 
should  be  taken  off  the  water  if  very  cold  and  given  sparingly 
a  few  swallows  at  a  time.  The  common  custom  is  to  give 
about  a  half  bucket  of  water.  The  safest  course  would  be 
to  give  less  and  repeat.  The  rule  should  be,  for  ordinary 
use,  to  give  small  quantities  often  during  the  day,  and  the 
animal  to  pursue  his  journey  or  labor  immediately  after.  If 
allowed  to  stand,  the  system  may  be  chilled.  The  absor- 
bents are  closed,  which  is  the  common  cause  of  Laminitis 
or  Founder,  although  this  disease  may  not  develop  itself 
until  twelve  or  twenty-four  hours  afterwards,  and  any  cause 
which  will  chill  the  system — either  cold  winds  or  cold 
water — while  the  animal  is  warm,  will  be  almost  sure  to 
produce  the  above  disease. 


TEACHING  TRICKS. 


Do  not  hurry  a  horse  too  fast  in  his  training.  If  you 
undertake  to  teach  too  much,  or  too  fast  in  the  start,  or 
indeed  at  any  time,  you  only  confuse  or  discourage.  Do 
only  so  much  as  the  horse  can  comprehend,  and  make  daily 
progress. 

TEACHING  TO  FOLLOW. 

If  it  is  desired  to  simply  teach  the  horse  to  follow  prompt- 
ly with  halter  or  bridle  on,  apply  the  war  bridle  (small 
loop);  when  he  comes  round  promptly,  stand  off  a  short 
distance  and  say,  "  Come  here,  sir."  If  he  does  not  come 
to  you,  give  a  sharp  pull,  gradually  changing  positions  and 
going  a  little  farther.  If  he  comes  to  you  promptly,  caress 
him;  if  not,  pull  sharply,  repeating  in  this  way  until  you 
can  make  him  come  to  you  promptly,  in  any  direction,  at 
the  word. 

TO  MAKE  FOLLOW  WITH  THE  WHIP. 

The  simplest  and  easiest  way  of  doing  this,  is  to  work  up 
sharply  with  the  war  bridle,  and  when  the  horse  comes  to 
you  promptly,  take  a  short,  blunt  whip,  step  up  to  the 
shoulder,  and  while  holding  the  bridle  loosely  in  the  left 
hand,  pass  the  whip  gently  over  the  shoulder,  and  tap 
lightly  with  the  end  on  the  off  §ide  of  the  head.  This  will 
annoy  the  horse  and  cause  him  to  move  the  head  a  little 
from  it,  toward  you ;  instantly  stop  and  caress,  then  repeat 
the  tapping  again;  should  he  attempt  to  run  from  you, 
hold  him  by  the  bridle.  Repeat  in  this  way  until  the  horse 
will  step  toward  you  promptly.  Then  touch  the  whip  over 
the  hips  and  say,  "  Come,  sir."  If  he  comes  up  to  you,  or 
shows  the  least  disposition  to  do  so,  caress,  and  so  continue 
until  he  will  come  up  promptly.  Now  step  a  little  sidewise 
and  ahead  and  say,  "  Come,  sir."  If  he  should  step  after 


TEACHING    TRICKS.  119 

you,  caress,  if  not,  touch  the  lash  over  the  hips.  In  a  short 
time  the  horse  will  learn  to  step  to  you,  and  follow  promptly 
When  he  will  do  this,  stand  him  in  a  corner  of  the  room, 
stand  a  little  in  front  of  him  and  touch  him  lightly  with  the 
whip  on  the  fore-legs  and  say,  "Come  here,  sir."  At  the 
least  intimation  of  coming,  stop  and  caress.  Then  repeat, 
touching  with  the  whip.  If  he  moves  to  you  a  little,  stop 
and  caress,  and  in  this  way  repeat  until  he  will  come  to  you 
promptly.  Then  get  a  little  farther  from  him  and  repeat  in 
the  same  manner  until  he  will  learn  to  hurry  up  to  you,  to 
get  away  from  the  whip.  Should  he  bolt  away,  put  on  the 
bridle,  and  hold  the  end  in  the  left  hand.  You  can  now 
hold  him  by  the  bridle  when  he  attempts  to  run,  until  he 
finds  he  cannot  get  away,  and  will  come  up  promptly. 

This  lesson  should  be  made  very  thorough  before  there  is 
an  attempt  to  take  the  horse  out  of  doors,  and  then  in  a 
small  yard.  If  this  is  not  convenient,  put  on  the  bridle, 
having  good  length  of  cord,  and  hold  in  the  left  hand 
loosely. 

If  the  horse  is  of  a  bad  character,  the  following  method 
may  be  used :  Turn  the  horse  into  a  room  or  small  yard  well 
enclosed.  Provide  yourself  with  a  good  bow  whip.  The 
Iiorse  will  feel  uneasy  and  look  around  at  you,  and  then 
perhaps  for  some  place  by  which  to  escape.  Walk  up  to 
him,  and  as  he  runs  into  a  corner  apply  the  lash  sharply 
under  his  flanks,  following  him  up,  making  the  whip  sting 
keenly  around  the  hind  legs.  When  he  stops  or  turns  his 
head  toward  you,  stop  instantly,  reach  out  the  hand,  at  the 
same  time  approaching  gently.  Should  he  run  or  turn 
around  to  kick,  whip  instantly  as  before,  and  so  continue 
until  you  can  approach  and  caress  the  head  and  neck  a  little. 
Then  say,  "Come,  sir,"  at  the  same  time  touching  the 
whip  lightly  over  the  hips.  If  he  comes,  or  shows  the  least 
disposition  to  do  so,  caress  and  speak  encouragingly.  If 
he  runs,  whip  as  before,  and  so  repeat  until  the  horse  will 
come  up  promptly  when  touched  by  the  whip. 

As  the  object  is  to  make  the  horse  honest  in  following, 
it  is  necessary  to  make  him  feel  that  you  whip  him  only  for 
resistance,  encouraging  and  flattering  for  every  intimation 
of  obedience,  until  he  realizes  his  safety  from  the  whip  to 
be  in  coming  to  you. 


120  »•        TEACHING    TRICKS. 

TO  LIB  DOWN. 

Tie  the  bridle  reins  into  a  knot  back  of  the  neck.  Throw 
your  strap  over  the  back,  under  the  body,  and  tie  to  the 
near  foot,  below  the  fetlock.  Now  pass  the  right  hand  well 
over  the  back  and  take  a  short  hold  of  the  strap.  Cause 
the  horse  to  step  toward  you  and  pull  the  foot  up.  Then 
pass  the  left  hand  around  the  reins  and  pull  back  and  down 
upon  them  in  such  a  manner  as  to  turn  the  head  a  little  to 
the  off-side,  at  the  same  time  pulling  down  steadily  but 
firmly  on  the  strap  over  the  back  with  the  right  hand.  As 
the  horse  goes  down,  gradually  pull  the  near  rein,  so  as  to 
bring  the  head  to  the  left,  at  the  same  time  pressing  down 
and  from  you  firmly  with  the  right,  until  the  horse  will  lie 
down.  Pass  the  end  of  the  strap  now  through  the  ring  of 
the  bit  and  draw  through  gently,  step  over  the  neck,  and  as 
the  horse  attempts  to  get  up,  pull  him  back,  until  he  lies 
quiet.  Rub  and  caress  him,  and  after  lying  a  few  minutes, 
say,  "  Get  up,  sir."  Repeat  in  this  way  for  a  few  times 
until  the  horse  will  lie  down  readily.  Then  while  holding 
him  on  or  near  the  knee  with  the  strap,  hit  him  on  the  skin 
of  the  other  with  a  little  whip,  until  he  will  bring  it  under 
and  lie  down.  After  awhile  he  can  be  made  to  come  on 
his  knees' and  lie  down  by  simply  pulling  the  head  down  a 
little  and  hitting  the  skins  with  the  whip,  at  the  same  time 
saying,  "Lie  down,  sir,"  repeating  until  the  horse  will  lie 
down  to  the  motion  of  the  whip.  This  is  about  the  easiest 
and  most  practical  way  of  teaching  a  horse  to  lie  down. 

TO  SIT   DP. 

When  the  horse  will  lie  down  promptly,  put  on  him  a 
common  collar,  and  while  being  down  take  two  pieces  of 
rope,  or  anything  suitable,  about  ten  feet  each  in  length. 
Tie  the  ends  around  the  hind  feet,  carry  them  forward  be- 
tween the  fore  legs  and  bring  them  once  around  the  collar. 

Now  step  on  his  tail,  take  the  bridle  reins  in  the  right 
hand,  while  you-  hold  the  ends  of  the  ropes  firmly  in  the 
left.  Give  a  little  jerk  on  the  reins  and  say,  "  Get  up,  sir." 
When  the  horse  throws  out  the  forward  feet  and  springs  to 
raise  himself  on  the  hind  feet,  he  finds  himself  unable  to 
complete  the  effort,  on  account  of  the  hind  feet  being  tied 


TEACHING    TRICKS.  121 

forward  under  him,  and  so  he  brings  himself  in  a  sitting 
position.  Instantly  step  forward,  holding  the  ropes  firmly, 
rub  and  caress  the  head  and  neck  a  little  for  a  few  seconds, 
then  as vyou  see  the  effort  to  keep  up  becoming  tiresome,  let 
loose  and  say,  "  Get  up,  sir."  By  repeating  in  this  way  a 
few  times  the  horse  will  soon  learn  to  sit  up  when  com- 
manded without  being  tied. 

TO  MAKE  A  BOW. 

Take  a  pin  in  your  right  hand,  between  the  thumb  and 
fore-finger,  stand  before,  but  a  little  to  the  left,  of  your 
horse,  and  prick  him  on  the  breast  lightly.  This  produces 
the  sensation  of  a  fly  biting,  to  relieve  which  he  will  bring 
down  his  head,  which  you  will  accept  as  yes,  and  reward 
for  by  caressing  and  feeding  as  before.  Then  repeat,  and 
so  continue  until  he  will  bring  his  head  down  the  moment 
he  sees  the  least  motion  of  the  hand  toward  his  breast,  or 
you  can  substitute  some  signal  which  he  will  understand 
readily. 

TO  SAY  NO. 

Stand  near  the  left  shoulder,  holding  the  pin  in  your 
hand,  with  which  prick  him  lightly  on  the  withers,  which 
will  cause  him  to  shake  his  head.  You  then  caress  as 
before,  and  so  repeating,  until  he  will  shake  his  head  at  the 
least  indication  of  touching  him  with  the  pin ;  you  can 
train  your  horse  so  nicely  in  this  way  in  a  short  time  as  to 
cause  him  to  shake  his  head  or  bow  by  merely  turning  the 
hand  a  little,  or  moving  it  slightly  toward  him. 

TO  KISS  YOU. 

Teach  him  first  to  take  a  piece  of  apple  out  of  your 
hand.  Then  gradually  raise  the  hand  nearer  your  mouth, 
at  each  repetition,  until  you  require  him  to  take  it  from 
your  mouth,  holding  it  with  the  hand,  telling  him  at  the 
same  time  to  kiss  you.  He  will  soon  learn  to  reach  his  nose 
up  to  your  mouth ;  first  to  get  the  apple,  but  finally,  because 
commanded  to  do  so.  Simply  repeat  until  the  horse  under- 
stands the  trick  thoroughly. 
6 


122  TEACHING    TRICKS. 

TEACHING  A  HOUSE  TO  DANCE. 

Put  on  the  war  bridle ;  hold  the  cord  some  four  or  five 
feet  from  the  horse's  head,  and  with  a  whalebone  whip  tap 
him  on  the  shin  or  ankle  until  he  lifts  his  foot,  then  caress 
him,  and  do  the  same  with  the  other,  making  him  raise 
first  one  foot,  then  the  other,  then  stop  and  caress.  Next, 
make  him  raise  them  several  times,  until  he  moves  his 
whole  body  by  the  motion  of  the  whip  to  the  time  of 
music.  Caress  and  encourage  frequently. 

TEACHING  A  HORSE  TO  WALTZ. 

After  he  has  learned  to  dance,  put  a  surcingle  around  his 
chest  -and  fasten  the  bridle-reins  to  it,  the  left  rein  much 
the  tightest,  bringing  his  head  well  around  to  the  left  side. 
Then  make  him  move  forward,  when  he  follows  his  head, 
and  every  time  as  he  is  turning  his  head  from  you  give  him 
a  sharp  cut  with  the  whip,  which  will  make  him  jump  round 
quickly  until  his  head  comes  around  to  you  again.  Then 
you  should  caress  and  encourage  him  by  talking  kindly,  pat- 
ting and  feeding  him.  He  will  then  be  slower  to  move  his 
head  from  you,  but  you  must  continue  with  the  whip  every 
time  the  horse's  hind  parts  are  toward  you  and  his  head 
from  you,  caressing  every  few  minutes  until  he  understands 
to  move  at  the  motion  of  the  whip.  Patient  and  careful 
practice  in  this  way  will  make  your  horse  prompt  and  grace- 
ful in  his  movements. 


SHOEING. 


THE  hoof  of  the  horse,  in  a  state  of  nature,  is  adapted 
only  to  a  grassy  surface.  Here  the  natural  wear  and  tear  of 
the  hoof  is  just  compensated  by  its  growth.  When  the 
wear  is  made  greater  than  this,  by  driving  on  hard  roads, 
the  horn  is  worn  down  so  rapidly  that  the  vascular  part  of 
the  foot  would  soon  be  exposed,  and  the  horse  would  in 
consequence  become  lame. 

Shoeing  includes,  first,  the  duty  of  preparing  the  feet  for 
the  shoes ;  second,  forming  the  shoes  to  the  feet,  so  as  to  be 
most  exact  in  size,  weight  and  fitting  to  that  part  of  the 
hoof,  and  that  only,  that  is  shown  by  experience  to  be  best 
able  to  bear  the  pressure  and  strain  of  the  shoe  without  in- 
jury, and  preserve  its  form  and  bearing  best;  and,  third, 
that  when  injury  and  lameness  result,  the  cause,  at  least, 
should  be  removed,  and  a  reasonable  effort  made  to  restore 
the  parts  to  a  state  of  health. 

That  part  of  the  foot  which  is  visible,  and  to  which  the 
shoe  is  fastened,  is  called  the  hoof.  It  is  simply  a  thin 
covering  of  horn  to  the  delicate  but  powerful  mechanism 
of  the  internal  structure  of  the  foot,  and  for  convenience  of 
description  is  divided  into  three  parts,  the  wall,  sole  and  frog. 

THE  FOOT. 

There  are  other  minor  points,  a  full  description  of  which 
is  not  essential  to  our  object  here,  such  as  the  tpe,  heels, 
bars,  commissures,  etc.  The  outer  crust,  or  wall,  is  a  sim- 
ple piece  of  horn,  of  from  a  quarter  to  three-eighths  of  an 
inch  in  thickness,  increasing  in  thickness  from  the  quarters 
to  the  toe,  where  it  is  thickest  and  grows  fastest,  in  order  to 
bear  the  increased  wear  upon  this  part.  If  this  horn  were 
cut  into  and  examined  with  a  microscope,  it  would  be  found 
to  be  made  up  of  a  large  number  of  little  tubes,  or  hairs, 
cemented  together;  that  they  can  be  split  apart  like  the 
fibers  of  wood,  and  that  the  horn  increases  in  hardness  and 
density  from  the  inner  surface  to  that  of  the  outer,  the  inner 


124 


STRUCTURE   OF   THE    FOOT. 
-6 


(No.  1.)  (No.  2.) 

a  The  external  crust  seen  at   the  quarter,     '        a  a  The  frog, 
6  The  coronary  ring,    c  The  little  horny  plates  b     The  sole, 

lining  the  crust,    d!  The  same  continued  over  c  c  The  bars, 

the  bars,    e  e  The  two  concave  surfaces  of  the  d  d  The  crust, 

inside  of  the  horny  frog.  /  That  which  ex- 
ternally is  the  cleft  of  the  frog,  g  The  bars. 
h  The  rounded  part  of  the  heels,  belonging  to 
the  frog. 

surface  being  quite  soft,  while  the  outer  surface  is  hard  and 
smooth. 

If  we  now  look  at  the  sole,  we  will  find  it  from  one-eighth 
to  three-sixteenths  of  an  inch  thick,  a  little  arched,  of  a 
dense  yielding  texture,  joined  firmly  to  the  lower  and  inner 


(No.  3.)  Interior  of  a  Healthy  Foot. 


(No.  4.)  Sole  of  Hind  Foot. 


edge  of  the  wall.  At  the  center,  occupying  the  space  be- 
tween the  heels,  and  extending  well  forward  to  a  point 
towards  the  toe,  is  a  softer  and  thicker  formation  of  horn, 
admitting  of  great  elasticity,  which  is  the  frog.  (See  cut 
No.  2.)  Between  the  frog  and  its  connection,  with  the  sole, 
on  each  side,  is  a  little  strip  of  hard  horn,  extending  from 
the  heels  forward,  called  bars,  which  are  a  continution  of 


STRUCTURE    OF   THE    FOOT. 


125 


a  Coronet. 

6  Sensible  lamellae. 


the  outer  wall.     From  the  outside 

there  seems  to  be  a  deep  notch,  on 

each   side,  cut   down   between   the 

bars  and  frog,  which  are  called  com- 

missures,  the    whole    showing   the 

most    admirable    arrangement    for 

strength  and  elasticity.     The  frog, 

being  of  a  soft,  elastic  nature,  acts 

as  a  cushion  in  protecting  the  sensi- 

tive parts  over  it  from  being  bruised 

or  injured,  while  the  direction  of  the 

bars  make  them  braces  for  keeping 

the  heels  in  place.     Connecting  the 

internal  parts  of  the  foot  with  the 

hoof,  is  a  strong  muscular  structure, 

arranged    so    as    to    afford    great    expansion,    as    well    as 

strength.     That  connecting  with  the  wall  of  the  hoof  is 

named  sensible  laminae,  and  that  between  the  coffin  bone 

and  sole  sensible  sole  and  frog.     This  mus- 

cular structure  has  mingled 

through  it  a  complete  net- 

work of  nerves  and  blood- 

vessels.    Hence  we  see  that 

in  any  way  producing  pressure 

or  restraint  upon  the  wall  or 

sole,  so  as  to  bruise  this  soft 

structure,  will  cause  inflam- 

mation, and  result  in  soreness, 

change  of  structure  and  lame- 

ness, to    a   greater    or    less 

extent,  in  proportion  to  the 

extent  of  the  injury. 

The  healthy  foot  is  the  best 

model  for  guidance,  and  the 
view  of  the  veins  object  should  be  in  preparing 

of  the  Frog  and      ,  J     r        ~        ,         if-  (No.  7.) 

Sole,  injected,      the  foot  for  the  shoe,  to  sim-  View  of  arteries  of 

ply  bring  it  back  to  its  natural 
form  and  bearing.  If  the  toe  is  too  long, 
or  the  heels  too  high,  or  there  is  an  unusual 
accumulation  of  old  horn  on  the  sole,  re- 
move  so  much  as  will  restore  the  foot  to  its  sion 
natural  proportions  and  bearing.  tery. 

If  the  shoes  have  been  on  a  month,  cut 


2.  Platar  artery. 


and  laminae. 
4 


126  STRUCTURE    OF   THE    FOOT. 

away  the  horn  -  grown  more  or  less,  according  to  the 
length  of  time  the  shoes  have  been  on  and  the  quantity 
of  horn  grown.  If  the  foot  is  in  a  healthy  condition, 
it  is  seldom  necessary  to  interfere  with  the  sole  and  frog. 
The  sole  and  frog  throw  off  horn  by  a  natural  process  of 
expoliation;  but  sometimes  the  shoe  extends  so  close  and 
so  far  over  the  sole  as  to  prevent  this  old  horn  from  either 
wearing  or  scaling  off.  When  this  is  the  case,  it  should  be 
dressed  out,  particularly  at  the  heels,  at  the  angles  formed 
between  the  bars  and  crust.  The  buttress  is  usually  so  large 
and  square  edged  as  to  make  it  unsuitable  for  doing  this. 
Even  with  the  greatest  care,*it  is  difficult,  with  such  an  in- 
strument, to  prevent  cutting  away  too 
much  at  some  points,  while  there 
cannot  be  enough  cut  away  at  others. 
An  English  shave,  with  the  end  turned 
back,  like  that  of  an  instrument  with 
which  to  mark  boards,  is  just  the  thing 
for  this  purpose.  While  the  object, 
in  the  first  place,  ^should  be  to  reduce 
the  hoof  to  its  natural  size,  care  should 
be  used  not  to  cut  away  too  much  of 
the  wall;  for,  bear  in  mind,  cutting 
away  too  much  must  bring  the  shoe 
against  the  sole,  and  forces  driving  the  A  Sound  Fore-foot,  prepared 
nails  too  deep  into  the  wall  of  the  for  the  shoe, 

hoof,  if  not  into  the  vascular  part  in-     «  The  heel  of  the  crust. 
side,  which   would    not    only    cause 
lameness,  but  be  liable  to  induce  the 
secretion  of  matter,  and  very  serious  frog  between  them,   e  e  The 
consequences    would    follow.       (See  &*££££££$ 

Causes    Of  Lameness.)      And  besides,    The  concave  surface  of  the 

forcing  so  many  nails  into  this  thin  i°TWdefthe  bulb°us  heels< 

horn  weakens  it  so  much  that  by  a  few 

repetitions  of  such  shoeing  it  becomes  difficult  to  nail  on 

shoes  with  any  certainty  of  being  held  to  the  foot  very  long, 

and,  of  course,  the  more  re-nailing  the  more  the  mischief  is 

increased. 

The  bearing  surface  should  be  leveled  down  carefully  and 
left  a  little  higher  than  the  sole,  so  that  there  can  be  no 
bearing  of  the  sole  upon  the  shoe.  If  the  foot  is  flat  and 
will  not  bear  this,  then  the  shoe  must  be  lowered  inside  of 


HINTS   ON   SHOEING.  127 

the  part  coming  under  the  wall,  so  that  the  sole  will  not 
touch  it.  No  definite  rule  can  be  given  by  which  to  explain 
just  how  much  to  cut  away,  or  the  limit.  If  the  heels  are 
strong  and  upright,  they  should  be  cut  down  so  that  the 
bearing  will  be  level  and  the  hoof  appear  natural.  (See 
cut  8.) 

The  next  aim  is  to  form  and  fit  the  shoe  so  as  to  approxi- 
mate it  to  the  size  and  bearing  of  the  foot  and  work  of  the 
horse.  If  the  hoof  is  thin  shelled  and  the  horse  is  not 
worked  much,  the  shoe  should  be  light;  but  if  the  work  is 
hard,  more  weight  will  be  necessary.  No  general  rule  will 
apply  here.  The  shoer  is  to  understand  that  if  the  foot  is 
properly  prepared  as  directed,  the  shoe  must  be  made  big 
enough  to  just  come  out  even  with  the  edge  of  the  hoof  from 
the  toe  to  the  turn  of  the  heels,  becoming  a  little  wider  at 
the  extremity  of  the  heels,  for  as  the  foot  enlarges  by  growthj 
the  shoe  is  brought  forward  under  the  heels  until  it  loses  its 
original  proportion  and  becomes  too  short  and  narrow,  to 
allow  for  which  the  shoe  should  be  as  much  wider  and  lon- 
ger than  the  foot  at  the  heels  (about  a  quarter  of.  an  inch) 
as  it  is  supposed  the  foot  will  grow  in  the  time  it  is  inten- 
ded to  keep  the  shoes  on  before  being  re-set.  The  bearing 
surface  of  the  shoe  should  be  perfectly  level,  and  only  so 
much  of  the  shoe  as  comes  under  the 
wall  of  the  hoof  should  touch  the  foot. 
Either  the  foot  must  be  prepared  so 
that  the  shoe  cannot  come  down  to  the 
sole,  or  that  part  of  the  shoe  coming 
inside  the  wall  of  the  hoof  must  be  so 
hammered  down  that  the  sole  cannot 
possibly  touch  the  shoe.  (See  cuts 
8  and  9.) 

This  requires  being  exact,  no  guess- 
(No.  9.)  Shoe,  inner  sur-  ing  or  coming  "  pretty  near  "  the  thing 
SS&8&&S5SS,  and  nailing  on.     The  shoe  should- be 
so  fitted  that  when  laid  on  a  level  sur- 
face every  part  of  the  bearing  surface  would  touch,  and  it 
should  fit  equally  well  to  the  foot. 


128  SHOES    ARE    MADE    CONCAVE. 

SHOES  ABE  MADE  CONCAVE, 

If  the  shoe  as  usually  fitted  is  examined,  the  bearing  sur- 
face at  the  heels  will  be  found  concave  or  the  inner  edge 
of  each  heel  much  the  lowest ;  not  only  this,  but  often  the 
heels  are  carried  back  too  far,  or  the  shoe  is  so  wide  that 
the  heels  rest  on  the  seating  inside  of  where  fitted  to  sup- 
port the  heels. 

It  is  evident  that  if  the  bearing  surface  at  the  heels  is 
concave,  there  is  a  natural  tendency  as  weight  is  thrown 
upon  the  foot  to  have  the  heels  crowded  together. 


(No.  10.)    Shoe  Properly  Fitted. 

With  the  foot  properly  prepared  and  the  shoe  properly 
fitted  to  it,  the  next  important  consideration  is  nailing  it  to 
the  hoof.  As  the  hoof  is  continually  growing  and  becom- 
ing proportionately  larger  than  the  shoe,  this  must  be  done 
if  possible  so  as  not  to  bring  lateral  restraint  upon  the  quar- 
ters, and  this  implies  attention  to  the  location  of  the  nail 
holes.  If  the  smith  were  to  examine  the  thickness  of  the 
hoof  of  an  ordinary  well-bred  horse,  he  would  perhaps  be 
surprised  at  its  thinness,  arid  he  would  see  the  importance, 
in  the  first  place,  of  making  the  holes  near  the  edge  well 
forward  in  the  toe,  and  of  not  putting  the  shoe  so  far  under 
the  shell  as  to  compel  his  driving  the  nails  too  deeply 
into  it,  or  of  having  the  nails  so  large  as  to  split  and  shatter 
the  hoof.  If  the  nail  holes  are  made  well  into  the  shoe, 
and  the  shoe  should  be  a  little  narrow  or  short,  and  be  set 


SHOES  ARE  MADE  CONCAVE.  129 

P 

well  under  the  hoof,  the  nails  must  be  driven  very  near,  or 
into  the  quick,  which  must  result  in  serious  lameness  or  in- 
jury. Two  points,  therefore,  must  be  kept  in  view  by  the 


(No.  11.)    Bearing  Surface  Level. 

smith  in  punching  the  nail  holes.  First,  making  them  so 
far  forward  in  the  toe  as  to  prevent  needless  restraint  upon 
the  quarters.  Second,  so  near  the  edge  of  the  shoe  as  not 
to  endanger  driving  the  nails  too  deep  in  the  crust.  The 
nails  should  not  be  large,  nor  a  greater  number  driven  than 
is  barely  necessary  to  retain  the  shoe. 

It  must  be  remembered  that,  at  best,  the  hoof  is  greatly 
shattered  by  the  nails ;  that  the  horn  is  thickest  at  the  toe, 
and  the  nailing  well  back  to  the  quarters  not  only  exposes 
to  greater  danger  of  pricking,  but  causes  an  injurious  presr 
sure  upon  the  heels.  If  the  horse  is  not  used  much,  and 
the  heels  are  rather  square  and  upright,  the  quarters  must  be 
kept  free.  Have  the  nail  holes  made  well  forward  on  both 
sides,  three  on  the  inner  and  four  on  the  outer  side,  or 
nail  well  back  on  the  outside  quarter,  but  well  forward  in 
6* 


130  EXCESSIVE   RASPING   BAD. 

the  toe  inside.  As  the  foot  now  grows,  the  shoe  will  be 
carried  to  that  side  and  forward,  leaving  the  inside  quarter 
free,  thereby  making  both  quarters  as  independent  of  the 


(No.  12.)    Ground  Surface— Position  of  Nails. 

restraint  of  the  shoe  as  it  is  possible  to  do.  Any  increase 
in  the  number  of  nails  to  retain  the  shoe  more  firmly  must 
not  imply  freedom  to  drive  them  back  in  the  quarters.  Let 
the  holes  be  punched  closer  together  in  the  toe. 

EXCESSIVE  HASPING  BAD. 

Care  should  be  used  not  to  file  too  deeply  under  the 
clinches,  as  is  common ;  and  in  finishing  off,  the  file  should 
not  be  touched  above  the  clinches,  and  below  only  enough 
to  round  the  toe  a  little.  There  is  a  penchant  in  most 
smiths  to  improve  the  shape  of  the  foot  by  rasping  and  fil- 
ing the  whole  surface  to  the  hair.  The  outside  of  the  hoof 
is  much  more  dense  and  hard  than  the  inside;  the  small 
spaces  between  the  fibres  of  the  horn  are  filled  with  a  soft 


EXCESSIVE    RASPING    BAD.  131 

substance — the  better  to  prevent  a  too  rapid  evaporation  of 
moisture.  If  the  whole  surface  of  the  hoof  is  rasped,  the 
best  part  is  not  only  likely  to  be  cut  away,  but  too  rapid 
evaporation  takes  place,  and  the  hoof  is  not  only  thereby 
weakened,  but  becomes  dry,  hard  and  contracted.  If  the 
horse  is  not  used  much,  and  stands  on  dry  plank,  this  con- 
dition must  be  produced. 


(No.  13.)  (No.  14.) 

Foot  Properly  shod,  and  a  foot  that  has  been  rasped  down  too  much,  in  order  to 
fit  the  shoe,  which  is  too  small  for  it. 

There  is  a  very  grave  fault  in  the  fitting  and  nailing  of 
shoes,  namely :  if  they  happen  to  be  too  short,  of  setting 
them  well  back  from  the  toe,  which  not  only  necessitates 
driving  the  nails  so  deep  into  the  hoof  as  to  prick  and  lame 
the  animal,  but  also  destroys  the  proportion  of  the  foot  by 
cutting  down  the  toe  too  much.  (See  cuts  13  and  14.) 
Smiths  seem  to  think  it  necessary  to  cut  the  hoof  down  to 
the  shoe,  no  matter  how  far  under  the  shell  it  may  be. 
This  is  wrong,  as  the  shoe  is  now  pressing  upon  and  nailed 
to  the  inside  or  soft  part  of  the  shell,  which  of  itself  leads 
to  soreness  and  derangement.  (See  cuts  9  and  10.)  In 
the  first  place  the  hoof  should  not  be  cut  away  too  much  in 
preparing  for  the  shoe,  but  should  leave  plenty  of  strong, 
hard  horn,  through  which  to  nail.  In  the  second  place,  the 
shoe  should  come  out  even  with  the  hoof;  and  third,  the 
nails  should  be  driven  deep  enough  to  hold  firmly.  Some 
shoers  have  a  faculty  of  going  from  one  extreme  to  the 
other  by  driving  the  nails  so  near  the  outer  edge  of  the 
crust  that  there  is  almost  certainty  of  breaking  through. 
(See  cuts  15  and  16.)  Illustrative  of  this  see  cut  15  ;  the 
hold  of  the  nail  is  not  deep  enough;  whereas  in  16  the  nail 
is  started  deep  and  comes  out  low,  getting  a  good,  strong 


132  CONTRACTION    OF   THE    FEET. 

hold,  and  not  endangering  driving  into  the  quick.  There 
should  be  no  effort  to  cut  down  the  hoof  in  any  away  that 
would  weaken  it,  or  destroy  its  natural  appearance  and 
bearing 


(No.  15.)  (No.lG.) 

Nails  driven  too  straight.  How  to  nail  the  Shoe. 

CONTRACTION  OF  THE  FEET. 

If  we  examine  the  foot  in  its  natural,  healthy  state,  it  will 
be  found  almost  round,  and  very  elastic  at  the  heel.  The 
frog  broad,  plump,  and  of  a  soft,  yielding  character.  The 
commissures  open  and  well  defined,  and  the  sole  concave. 
The  outside  of  the  crust,  from  the  heel  to  the  toe,  increased 
from  a  slight  bevel  to  an  angle  of  about  forty-five  degrees. 
In  a  state  of  contraction  the  heels  are  narrow  and  high,  the 
commissures  closed  and  the  frog  small,  and  from  bad  shoe- 
ing a  marked  change  in  size  and  form.  Corns,  or  bruising 
of  the  sole  at  the  heels,  or  any  difficulty  causing  lameness, 
is  induced  by  inflammation.  Now,  any  cause  by  which  the 
sensible  sole  or  muscular  structure  uniting  the  coffin-bone  to 
the  wall  of  the  hoof  is  bruised  and  inflamed,  leads  to  either 
decomposition  and  the  formation  of  matter,  thickening  of 
cartilage,  or  growth  of  bony  formation. 

The  most  common  cause  of  inflammation,  producing 
change  of  structure  and  lameness,  is  contraction.  It  is 
evident  that  the  more  horn  is  grown  the  wider  and  longer 
the  foot  becomes,  and  the  more  cut  away  the  narrower  and 
shorter  it  is  made.  If  a  shoe  be  fitted  accurately  to  a  foot 
after  being  trimmed  and  prepared  carefully,  it  would  be 
found  in  a  few  weeks  to  be  much  too  short  and  narrow  or 
too  small  for  the  same  foot. 

The  foot  is  continually  growing  and  losing  its  original 


SHOES    CONCAVE    INJURIOUS.  133 

proportions  with  the  shoe,  which,  in  four  or  five  weeks, 
becomes  at  least  a  quarter  of  an  inch  wider  and  longer  than 
it  was  when  dressed.  Now  there  must  be  not  only  special 
provision  made  in  nailing  for  this  increased  enlargement, 
but  the  greatest  care  should  be  used  not  to  permit  any 
lateral,  mechanical  pressure  upon  the  quarters  that  would 
restrict  their  freedom. 

It  must  be  observed  that  shoeing  first  raises  the  frog  from 
contact  with  the  ground,  which,  of  itself,  removes  an  im- 
portant auxiliary  to  health  in  the  foot;  second,  that  nailing 
the  shoe  to  the  sides  of  the  hoof  brings  direct  restraint 
upon  the  quarters  with  increased  force,  and  to  the  degree 
that  this  nailing  is  extended  to  the  heels  and  the  foot 
increases  in  size  by  growth,  is  the  foot  contracted  by  the 
restraint  thus  unavoidably  produced. 

SHOES  CONCAVE  INJUBIOTJS. 

There  is  also  another  cause  of  derangement  requiring 
special  notice,  namely:  the  bearing  surface  at  the  heels  is 
usually  inclined  inward,  or  the  inside  edge  is  much  lower 
than  the  outer  edge,  often  quite  or  more  than  a  sixteenth 
of  an  inch,  which  alone  is  sufficient  to  cause  serious  con- 
traction. In  addition  to  which  the  increased  absorption  of 
moisture,  induced  both  by  inflammation  and  by  keeping  the 
feet  dry,  tends  directly  to  this  end,  since  the  dryer  and 
harder  horn  becomes,  the  more  lessened  in  size.  Of  course, 
if  direct  pressure  is  brought  upon  the  foot,  by  which  the 
vascular  structure  beneath  the  shell  is  bruised  and  inflamed, 
lameness  and  ultimate  change  of  structure  must  ensue, 
which,  if  permitted,  may  cause  serious  or  even  incurable 
lameness. 

There  is  one  peculiarity  about  contraction  that  seems  to 
puzzle  even  good  practitioners,  which  is  the  increased 
growth  of  the  heels.  The  heels  grow  down  rapidly,  and 
the  shell  becomes  very  thick,  while  the  frog  becomes  small 
and  hard.  If  cut  No.  16  is  examined,  the  sole  will  be  seen 
to  be  arched.  Now  it  is  evident  if  the  quarters  are  pressed 
together,  this  bending  of  the  sole  upward  is  increased, 
bringing  increased  pressure  upon  the  suspensory  ligaments 
and  coffin-joint,  and  force  the  coffin-joint  upward  and  for- 
ward against  the  hoof  at  its  upper  edge. 


134  SHOES   CONCAVE    INJURIOUS. 

Now  if  you  look  at  cut  No.  7,  you  will  discover  an  artery 
passing  down  each  side  of  the  leg,  which  divides  above  the 
hoof  into  two  branches,  one  forward  around  the  edge  of 
the  hoof,  and  another  back  to  the  heel,  which  again  throw 
off  innumerable  branches..  The  office  of  these  arteries  is 
to  supply  material  for  the  growth  of  horn.  Now  the  pres- 
sure induced  upon  the  coffin-bone  by  the  pressing  of  the 
sole  against  it  as  before  explained,  forces  the  coffin-bone 
against  the  upper  edge  of  the  hoof,  and  thus  presses  directly 
upon  this  artery,  thereby  obstructing  the  flow  of  blood  to 
this  part,  and  forcing  it  back  into  those  supplying  horn  at 
the  heels.  Hence  the  forward  part  of  the  hoof  grows 
slowly  and  becomes  thin,  while  the  heels  grow  down  rapidly, 
becoming  high  and  thick. 

The  first  and  important  object  in  curing  disease  is,  to 
remove  the  cause.  We  must  do  more  than  this  in  the  cure 
of  contraction  by  removing  the  surplus  horn  accumulated 
and  applying  mechanical  pressure  in  such  a  way  as  to  gradu- 
ally spread  the  foot  back  to  its  natural  form,  so  far  as  it  will 
bear. 

To  do  this  we  must  first  thoroughly  soften  the  feet  by 
poulticing.  Next  cut  down  the  heels  to  within  an  eighth 
of  an  inch  or  more  of  the  sole.  Cut  down  carefully  be- 
tween the  bars  and  frog.  If  not  careful>  you  will  cut 
through  and  bring  blood  at  the  extreme  of  the  heel,  while 
you  have  not  cut  deep  enough  farther  forward.  Follow  the 
curve  of  the  sole,  aiming  to  cut  out  an  average  depth  until 
the  heels  will  yield  easily  to  a  little  pressure. 

The  next  object  is  to  gradually  force  the  heels  outward. 
There  are  three  ways  of  doing  this : 

First,  (this  is  the  treatment,  I  am  informed,  used  by  Mr. 
ROBERT  BONNER  of  the  New  York  Ledger,  who  is  undoubt- 
ly  one  of  the  most  careful  students  of  the  foot,  and  of  the 
conditions  necessary  in  shoeing  to  keep  it  in  a  healthy  con- 
dition, in  this  country,)  form  the  shoe  of  an  equal  thickness 
all  the  way  round,  with  nail  holes  punched  well  back  in  the 
heels,  and  fit  accurately  to  the  foot,  so  that  it  will  come  out 
even  with  the  edge  of  the  hoof.  Now  drive  the  nails  care- 
fully, so  that  they  will  be  deep  enough  into  the  horn  to  hold 
firmly  without  endangering  pricking,  leaving  the  points 
stick  down  straight.  After  all  are  driven  down,  pull  them 
out  again.  Heat  the  shoe  and  spread  it  about  one-eighth 


SHOES   CONCAVE   INJURIOUS. 


135 


of  an  inch,  more  or  less  according  to  what  the  foot  will 
bear,  and  put  on  again.  Now,  drive  the  nails  again,  each 
a  little  at  each  time  until  driven  home,  and  clinch  firmly. 
It  is  seen  that  the  shoe  must  now  exert  an  outward  pressure 
upon  the  heels  equal  to  the  increased  breadth  of  the  shoe. 
Keep  the  foot  reasonably  soft.  In  a  few  days  or  a  week  the 
clinches  can  be  carefully  drawn,  the  nails  pulled  out,  the 
shoe  made  wider  and  nailed  as  before,  which  can  be 
repeated  so  long  as  the  nails  will  hold  well. 

A  simpler  method  is  that  of  the  convex  shoe,  (cut  17.) 
The  foot  is  prepared  as  before,  with  the  difference  of  not 
cutting  away  the  bearing  surface  so  much  at  the  heels.  The 
shoe,  instead  of  having  the  bearing  surface  level,  should  be 
made  convex,  the  outer  edge  from  an  eighth  to  one-fourth, 
or  even  more,  of  an  inch  lower  than  the  inner  edge,  running 
out  at  the  toe.  This  surface  should  be  filed  down  carefully, 
and  so  fitted  to  the  foot  that  the  heels  will  rest  on  these  in- 
clined surfaces,  the  shoe  being  a  little  wider  than  the  heels, 

and  nail  on.  Now  there 
is  a  continued  slipping 
outward  of  the  heels  when 
weight  is  thrown  upon  the 
foot.  Remember  one 
point  here.  Do  not  com- 
mit the  error  of  cutting 
down  the  heels  very  close. 
You  must  have  horn 
enough  to  keep  the  shoe 
from  coming  in  contact 
with  the  sole.  If  it  does, 
the  inner  edge  pressing 
upon  the  sole  forms  a 
shoulder  which  will  not 
only  prevent  expansion, 
but  bring  pressure  upon 
the  sole,  bruising  it,  and 
thus  be  the  cause  of  injury  and  lameness. 

The  third,  is  that  of  Tyrrel's  patent  shoe,  (cut  18.)  By 
this  shoe,  if  properly  fitted  and  applied,  the  foot  can  be 
expanded  as  little  or  as  much  as  may  be  desired.  It  will 
also  enable  expanding  one  or  both  heels  as  may  be 
desired,  and  is  the  best  form  of  shoe  I  have  seen 


( No.  17.)    Convex  Shoe  for  the  cure  of 
Contraction. 


136 


CORNS. 


(No.  18.)    Tyrrel's  Patent  Shoe 
lor  the  cure  of  Contraction. 


for  the  cure  of  contraction.  The 
only  difference  there  is  in  this 
shoe  from  the  common  form  is : 
first,  the  inside  edges  of  the  heels 
are  turned  up  into  little  clips; 
second,  the  shoe  is  so  cut  out  at 
each  side  of  the  toe  as  to  enable 
bending  the  quarters  outward,  by 
putting  the  tongs  or  a  screw  be- 
tween the  heels  and  pressing  them 
outward.  The  clips  at  the  heels 
extending  up  inside  of  the  bars  at 
the  extreme  of  the  heels  press 
the  heels  outward  just  so  much 

as  the  shoe  is  spread,  which  can  be  done  every  few 
days  at  will  until  the  foot  is  expanded  as  much  as  may  be 
desired.  This  is  the  great  consideration  in  the  cure  of  con- 
tractions so  far  as  mechanical  pressure  is  concerned.  It 
requires  nice  mechanical  judgment  and  skill  to  fit  and  put 
on  any  form  of  shoe,  both  in  preventing  contraction  and 
for  its  cure,  and  especially  so  in  my  judgment  in  the  use  of 
this.  As  before  explained,  the  foot  should  be  carefully 
dressed  down  to  its  natural  form.  The  excessive  horn  pre- 
venting expansion  of  the  heels  cut  away,  implying 
especially  the  thinning  out  well  of  the  part  between  the  frog 
and  bars.  The  foot  should  be  softened  by  poulticing  pre- 
viously. The  shoe  should  then  be  carefully  fitted,  the 
clips  resting  accurately  against  the  bar  inside.  The  shoe 
should  never  be  spread  enough  at  a  time  to  cause  inflamma- 
tion and  soarness.  If  this  is  carefully  persisted  in,  so  far 
as  the  contraction,  cure  must  be  certain.  This  shoe  of  Mr. 
Tyrrel's  has  been  used  with  great  success  for  this  purpose. 
The  right  to  use  it  with  special  directions  for  its  use  can  be 
obtained  by  addressing  H.  B.  Fern,  Batavia,  N.  Y. 


COBNS 


Appear  in  the  angle  of  the  hoof  near  the  heel.  They  are 
generally  caused  by  the  shoe  being  worn  too  long,  causing 
the  shell  of  the  hoof  to  grow  over  the  shoe,  which  throws 
the  weight  upon  the  sole,  or  the  angles  between  the  bar  and 
crust  are  not  properly  dressed  out.  If  the  descending  heel 


CORNS. 


137 


of  the  coffin  bone  meets  with  too  much  resistance  by  want 
of  elasticity  in  the  sole  at  this  place,  the  sensitive  sole  is 
liable  to  be  so  bruised  and  injured  as  to  produce  corns, 
which  are  simply  a  contused  wound  of  the  sensitive  sole. 
Contraction  is  also  an  actively  exciting  cause  of  corns  which 
should  be  overcome  by  expansion  shoes.  If  of  an  ordinary 
character,  upon  cutting  away  the  horn,  there  will  be  found 
a  red  spot ;  if  very  bad,  the  color  will  be  a  dark  purple  and 
deeper  seated. 

If  in  this  condition  it  is  neglected,  matter  may  be  formed, 
or  the  inflammation  may 
cause  the  lateral  cartilages 
which  are  attached  to  the 
heels  of  the  coffin  bone  to 
become  ossified,  or  even  the 
accumulation  of  large,  bony 
deposits,  which  would  des- 
troy the  mobility  of  the  foot 
and  cause  considerable  de- 
formity. 

All  pressure  must  be  re- 
moved from  the  part.  First, 

dress  down  the  part  bruised  until  quite  thin.  Put  a  little 
sulphur  on,  and  burn  in  pretty  well  with  a  hot  iron,  or  put 
on  butter  of  antimony,  which  will  stimulate  a  healthy  growth 
of  horn. 


(No.  19.) 
New  Corn. 


(No.  20.) 

Situation  and  appear- 
ance of  an  old  corn. 


(No.  21.) 
Testing  for  Corn. 


(No.  22.) 
Bar  Shoe  for  Corns. 


If  there  is  much  inflammation,  poultice;  and  if  there  is 
a  cavity  or  the  sensible  sole  is  exposed,  put  on  a  little  pitch 
and  tallow,  over  which  spread  a  little  tow.  Put  on  the  shoe 


138  INTERFERING. 

so  fitted  there  will  be  no  pressure  on  the  part.  To  do  this 
a  bar  shoe  will  often  be  necessary.  (See  cut  No.  22.)  The 
shoe  should  be  re-set  frequently  until  cured. 

QUARTER  CHACK. 

When  the  hoof  is  dry  and  hard  it  is  easily  split.  A  piece 
of  glue  when  very  dry  splits  and  breaks  very  easily  if 
pounded  upon,  but  if  softened  by  moisture  would  only  bend 
and  be  bruised.  The  hoof  partakes  of  the  character  of  glue. 
If  very  dry  the  fibres  become  dense  and  hard.  If  while  the 
feet  are  in  this  condition  the  horse  is  driven  fast  on  hard 
roads,  the  hoof  is  liable  to  burst.  If  the- hoof  is  thin  and 
contracted,  there  is  great  danger  of  the  inside  quarters 
splitting. 

Cut  down  the  hoof  back  of  the  crack,  so  that  there  is  no 
pressure  of  that  part  of  the  bearing  surface  upon  the  shoe, 
put  on  a  bar  shoe,  cut  across  the  split  deeply  at  the  edge 
of  the  hair  with  a  firing  iron.  Next  cut  down  the  edges  of 
the  hoof  so  far  as  split  extends,  to  the  quick.  Then  soften 
and  grow  down  the  hoof  rapidly  by  applying  any  good, 
stimulating  ointment.  A  mixture  of  equal  portions  of  tar, 
lard  and  turpentine,  is  excellent  for  this  purpose.  The 
fitting  of  the  shoe  should  be  carefully  attended  to,  the  hoof 
grown  down  as  rapidly  as  it  is  safe  to  do,  and  the  part  kept 
clean  by  covering  it  with  a  little  tar,  or  a  mixture  of  resin 
and  tallow.  There  will  not  be  a  cure  until  a  new  hoof  is 
grown  down,  which  will  take  about  six  or  eight  months. 

INTERFUSING. 

Some  horses  'travel  so  close  that  the  least  neglect  of  hav- 
ing the  shoe  well  under  the  quarter,  and  the  part  nicely 
dressed  down,  would  cause  a  bruising  and  cutting  of  the 

opposite  ankle.     The  shoe 
A    should   be   so   formed   and 
fitted  as  to  come  well  under 
the  hoof.     To  do  this  well, 
that  side  of  the  shoe  should 
be    made    rather    straight, 
(No.  23.)  with  the   web   narrow,  and 

interfering  Shoe.  the  nail-holes  well  forward 


WEAK    HEELS. 


139 


in  the  toe;  at  all  events  there  must  be  no  nails  driven 
into  that  part  of  the  hoof  that  strikes,  as  the  clinches 
will  be  likely  to  cut.  If  the  toe  cork  is  set  well  round, 
on  the  inside  of  the  toe,  and  the  foot  is  so  pared,  or 
the  shoe  is  so  formed  that  the  bearing  of  the  inside 
of  the  foot  is  raised  somewhat,  there  will  be  a  tending 
in  the  ankle  to  be  thrown  out  when  borne  upon.  But  the 
great  object  is  to  have  the  shoe  fitted  and  filed  smoothly, 
and  set  well  under  the  part  hitting,  so  that  after  the  hoof  is 
rasped  off  all  it  is  prudent  to  do,  and  rounded  down  care- 
fully, the  shoe  sets  far  enough  under  not  to  endanger  its 
cutting,  yet  supports  the  hoof,  and  gives  a  natural  bearing 

to    the    foot.     The    chief 

danger  will  be  that   some 

portion  of  this  part  of  the 

shoe,  will  be  made  to  extend 

beyond  the  hoof,  and  the 

shoe  be  fitted  and  put  on 

so  roughly  that  it  can 

scarcely  be  said  to  be  fitted 

any  smoother  or  better  than 

is  usually  done,  without  re- 
gard to  such  a  purpose.     It 

is  always  best  to  keep  the 

bearing  natural  by  trimming 
the  foot  level,  and  making  the  shoe  of  an  even  thickness, 
but  set  it  under  and  file  smoothly.  If  this  will  not  do,  raise 
the  inside  a  little.  Driving  young  horses  to  sulky  will 
often  cause  interfering;  getting  a  horse  in  good  condition 
will  often  overcome  the  difficulty.  If  the  ankles  are  cut  or 
sore,  they  should  be  protected  with  pads  until  well.  If  the 
owner  values  the  animal  highly,  he  should  give  such  shoeing 
his  personal  attention. 


(No.  24.) 
Interfering  Pad. 


(No.  25.) 

A  Leather  Boot  to 
protect  the  Ankle. 


WEAK  HEELS. 


Cutting  down  too  close  and  fitting  the  shoes  roughly,  so 
that  the  horse  wears  and  breaks  down  the  heels,  will  cause 
them  to  be  low  and  sensitive.  Such  feet  should  be  simply 
leveled  down  with  the  rasp  carefully,  and  the  shoe  fitted  to 
touch  every  part  of  the  bearing  surface  at  the  heels. 


140  SHOES. 

SHOES. 

It  should  be  borne  in  mind  that  that  form  of  shoe  which 
accords  with  the  foot  in  making  the  bearing  natural,  pre- 
serves its  elasticity  and  protects  it  from 
injury,  is  best.    If  we  examine  the  foot 
it  will  be  found  concave.     This  is  the 
best  form  to  enable  a  fulcrum  that  will 
prevent  slipping.      If  we  would  imi- 
tate and  carry  out  in  the  form  of  the 
shoe,  that  of  the  foot,  it  should  be  also 
concave,  or  thick  at  the  outer  edge  and 
beveled  upward  to  the  inner  edge  on 
the  ground  surface.     Such  a  shoe  will 
_          not  ball,  prevents  slipping,  is  lighter, 
(No  28 )  ~  and  would  certainly  enable  more  speed 

on  a  track  if  at  all  wet.  Amateurs 
who  have  an  opportunity  should  see  my  models  of  shoes  of 
different  patterns. 

Shoes  for  summer  wear  should  be  level,  of  an  equal  thick- 
ness from  toe  to  heel.  If  the  roads  are  soft,  this  is  certainly 
advisable,  to  give  the  frog  pressure.  If  shoes  are  made  with 
corks,  the  inside  ones  should  be  rounded,  so  as  not  to  cut 
the  feet.  The  outside  ones  will  prevent  slipping.  My 
" Maine  Snow  Shoe"  is  undoubtedly  the  best  for  winter 
use;  will  not  ball,  and  prevents  the  feet  most  effectually 
from  being  bruised  or  injured. 

The  bearing  surface  of  all  shoes  should  be  level,  and 
come  exactly  under  the  wall  of  the  hoof  all  the  way  round. 
The  nails  should  be  as  small,  and  as  few,  and  as  far  forward 
in  the  toe  as  will  retain  the  shoe  safely,  the  object  being  to 
protect  the  foot  and  keep  it  healthy.  When,  from  any 
cause,  there  is  an  undue  absorption  of  moisture,  making  the 
frog  and  hoof  dry  and  hard,  either  from  inactivity  by  stand- 
ing on  a  dry  floor,  or  driving  on  dry  hard  roads,  or  both, 
it  must  be  supplied  by  artificial  means.  Stuff  or  fill  the 
feet  with  flax-seed  meal,  to  which  has  been  added  a  little 
wood  ashes  mixed  with  water.  It  will  stick.  Or  wet  cloths 
may  be  tied  around  the  hoof. 

If  there  is  soreness  of  the  feet,  put  them  in  water  as  hot 
as  can  be  borne,  to  which  should  be  added  a  handful  of 
salt,  for  an  hour  each  day,  for  one  or  two  weeks,  or  blister 
mildly  around  the  coronet,  repeated  two  or  three  times. 


RE-SETTING   OF   SHOES.  141 

If  there  is  a  dry,  hard  condition  of  the  feet,  apply  mois- 
ture around  the  coronet  by  tying  wet  cloths  around  the 
hoof,  or  poulticing,  stopping  the  feet  with  flaxseed  meal,  as 
before  explained ;  after  which,  apply  some  of  the  prepara- 
tion for  softening  the  feet  and  stimulating  the  growth  of 
horn. 

The  usual  palliative  means  of  rubber  cushions  and  such 
means,  put  between  the  hoof,  to  cure  soreness  and  lame- 
ness, are  of  no  account,  since  they  do  not  reach  the  cause 
of  difficulty.  The  nailing  of  the  shoe  must  necessarily  be 
so  tight  as  to  press  out  all  the  elasticity  there  is,  and,  in 
addition,  the  heels  cut  through  such  means  so  quickly  that 
they  will  not  prove  of  any  real  value. 

KE-SETTING  OF   SHOES. 

Shoes  should  be  re-set  once  in  from  four  to  six  weeks. 
For  light,  occasional  use,  not  more  than  seven  nails  should 
be  driven — four  on  the  outside  and  three  on  the  inside — 
well  forward.  The  shoe  should  come  well  out  under  the 
toe,  so  that  there  is  no  necessity  for  more  than  touching  the 
edge  a  little  to  reach  the  shoe,  and  by  all  means  do  not 
allow  that  reckless  rasping  of  the  outside  of  the  hoof  so 
general  with  shoers.  If  the  shoe  is  short  it  should  not  be  a 
reason  that  the  hoof  must  be  cut  down  to  it.  Even  rasping 
under  the  clinches  should  not  be  permitted.  A  thin  shell 
can  be  easily  ruined  in  this  way;  besides,  this  rasping  of 
the  whole  surface  of  the  hoof  not  only  removes  the  strong- 
est and  hardest  part,  but  permits  too  rapid  an  evaporation, 
which  causes  the  horn  to  become  hard  and  brittle.  It  is 
much  better,  easier  and  cheaper  to  keep  the  feet  healthy 
than  to  cure  them.  It  is  wise  in  shoers  to  be  patient  and  do 
the  work  well,  and  owners  should  remember  that  extra  care 
and  skill  deserves  extra  compensation.  It  is  hoped  that  the 
few  explanations  given  will  aid  in  a  better  understanding  of 
this  duty. 

If  the  horse  shows  sudden  lameness  in  the  foot,  especially 
after  being  shod,  examine  it  carefully;  strike  the  hoof 
lightly  with  a  small  hammer;  put  the  hand  first  on  one  foot 
and  then  on  the  other,  that  you  may  discover  any  increased 
heat.  If  a  nail  has  been  driven  too  deep,  remove  the  shoe. 
If  much  inflammation,  poultice — usually  necessary  for 


142  RE-SETTING   OF   SHOES. 

twenty-four  hours  or  more — when  cover  the  part  with  tow 
and  a  preparation  of  tar  and  resin,  or  pitch  and  common 
grease.  If  a  nail  has  been  driven  into  the  foot,  get  the 
horse  to  the  stable  as  quick  as  you  can,  take  off  the  shoe, 
poultice  the  foot,  and  give  a  sharp  dose  of  physic,  and  let 
the  animal  stand  quietly.  The  object  is  to  keep  down 
inflammation.  No  hot  oils  or  anything  stimulating  is  to  be 
applied. 

A  little  of  the  digestive  ointment  may  be  used  after  the 
inflammation  goes  down  to  excite  a  healthy  granulating  pro- 
cess, or  any  cooling  astringent.  There  is  liable  to  be  ten- 
derness if  the  sole  should  strike  the  ground  afterwards,  as 
there  may  be  inflammation  of  the  periosteum,  to  relieve 
which,  put  on  a  high-heeled  shoe  and  blister  around  the 
coronet.  The  sole  is  sometimes  bruised  by  the  shoe  press- 
ing upon  it,  causing  much  inflammation  and  lameness. 
Take  off  the  shoe,  poultice  for  twenty-four  hours  or  more ; 
fit  the  shoe  so  as  to  remove  all  pressure  from  the  sole ;  if 
sore  yet,  continue  the  poultice ;  if  matter  is  formed,  treat  as 
you  would  any  such  ulcer,  with  a  healing  astringent.  Sev- 
eral good  preparations  are  given  in  another  part  of  this 
work. 

The  difficulty  of  getting  sketches  made  of  the  illustrations 
needed  in  this  and  other  articles,  induced  the  necessity  of 
copying  many  of  them  from  Mayhew  and  others. 


DISEASES  AND  THEIR  TREATMENT. 


THE  treatment  and  remedies  here  given  will  be  found 
very  valuable.  I  have,  at  great  loss  of  time  and  money, 
subjected  myself  to  a  practical  course  of  study  under  one 
of  the  best  educated  and  successful  English  veterinary  sur- 
geons in  this  country,  (Dr.  William  Somerville,  of  Buffalo, 
N.  Y.,)  whose  certificate  will  be  found  below,  and  aim  to 
give  such  practical  treatment  as  I  know  to  be  most  reliable 
and  practical.  Many  of  the  remedies  included  have  been 
obtained  by  me  at  much  trouble  and  great  cost,  and  are 
worth  much  more  than  the  cost  of  this  book  and  my  in- 
structions. I  have  no  desire  but  to  benefit  my  patrons,  and 
the  utmost  assurance  may  be  felt  that  the  greatest  care  has 
been  used  in  discarding  remedies  not  known  to  be  reliable 
and  valuable. 

DR.  WILLIAM    SOMERVILLE 's    CERTIFICATE. 

"This  is  to  certify  that  D.  Magner,  Esq.,  served  under 
me  nearly  two  years,  during  1868  and  1869,  as  an  appren- 
tice, to  learn  and  be  instructed  in  the  veterinary  profession. 
I  consider  him  well  qualified  to  treat  successfully  all  diseases 
in  horses,  and  able  to  practice  as  a  skillful  and  competent 
veterinary  surgeon. 

"WM.  SOMERVILLE, 

"  Veterinary  Surgeon. 
"A  member  of  two  Veterinary  Colleges, 

"  and  thirty -six  years1  practice. 
"  Buffalo  Horse  Infirmary,  127  Erie  St., 
"August  1st,  1869." 

I  would  urge  the  necessity,  at  least,  of  ordinary  prudence 
in  preventing  colds  and  sickness  by  guarding  against  un- 
necessary exposure,  or  mercilessly  driving  until  in  a  profuse 
perspiration,  and  then  leaving  the  horse  in  some  cold,  bleak 
place  without  more,  perhaps,  than  a  poor  blanket,  and  that 


144  DISEASES   AND   THEIR   TREATMENT. 

thrown  on  carelessly,  while  the  driver  is  perhaps  enjoying 
himself  with  his  friends  in  some  drinking  saloon,  toasting 
his  shins  while  the  poor  animal  stands  shivering  at  the  door. 
The  effect  of  such  bad  treatment  will  not  then  have  time  to 
develope  itself,  but  will  be  seen  in  a  few  hours,  or  at  farthest 
on  the  following  day.  This  is  the  common  cause  of  acute 
larninitis  (founder)  and  of  pleuro-pneumonia  (pleurisy). 
The  three  principal  points  in  the  health  of  a  horse  are  feed- 
ing, air  and  exercise.  In  the  first  place,  irregularity  of 
feeding  will  certainly  produce  disease.  (See  article  on 
feeding.)  Ventilation — the  stable  should  be  neither  too 
hot  nor  too  cold.  The  animal  will  show  the  effect  in  a  few 
days  by  coughing  or  having  slight  irritation  of  the  mucous 
membrane  of  the  throat. 

A  horse  can  take  cold  as  easily  by  going  out  of  a  cold 
air  into  a  hot  stable,  as  he  can  by  going  from  a  hot  stable 
into  cold  air,  and  vice  versa.  It  is  the  sudden  change  of 
temperature  which  produces  the  change  on  the  mucous  coat 
of  the  larynx  and  throat. 

The  clothing  of  the  horse  in  the  stable  should  be  neither 
too  hot  nor  cold.  But  if  kept  too  warm,  he  will  be  more 
likely  to  take  cold  when  he  goes  out  to  exercise  on  a  cold 
or  chilly  day.  The  stable  should  be  well  ventilated  with 
pure  air  at  all  times,  and  all  poisonous  air  and  gases,  par- 
ticularly the  ammonia,  which  is  formed  from  the  urine, 
should  be  allowed  free  egress  from  the  stable,  as  the  animal 
cannot  be  expected  to  keep  in  good  health  while  compelled 
to  inhale  such  malaria. 

Let  me  tell  you,  one  of  the  great  points  in  keeping  horses 
in  good  health  and  condition,  is  regular  feeding  and  good 
care,  being  careful,  after  a  sharp,  hard  drive,  especially  if 
there  has  been  exposure  to  wet  and  cold,  to  blanket  warmly 
— anticipate  and  look  for  a  chill,  or  being  off  of  food.  If 
so,  a  little  fever  medicine  and  a  warm  bran  mash  should  be 
given  at  once,  and  a  serious  attack  of  pneumonia  may  be 
thus  averted.  Men  who  talk  and  slash  horses  around  reck- 
lessly, I  have  a  low  opinion  of  as  horsemen.  To  keep 
horses  doing  well,  even  though  worked  hard,  requires  at- 
tention to  little  things.  If  the  road  is  heavy  or  up-hill, 
and  the  horse  shows  fatigue  or  is  warming  up  excessively, 
hold  up  and  shove,  if  necessary,  on  good  road  and  down 
grade,  aiding  and  nursing  along  by  watering  often  but  not 
much  at  a  time. 


DISEASES   AND   THEIR   TREATMENT.  145 

A  very  little  driving  without  regard  to  this  prudence  will 
soon  get  even  a  good,  hardy  horse  off  his  food,  if  not  cause 
sickness,  and  then  PROVIDENCE,  or  something  else,  is  the 
supposed  cause.  Use  all  the  care  and  prudence  you  can  in 
guarding  against  and  preventing  sickness ;  it  is  your  safest 
and  best  rule.  I  give  the  very  best  treatment  in  the  follow- 
ing pages  you  can  use  with  most  success.  The  medicine  is 
easily  obtained  and  administered.  Indeed  there  are  single 
remedies  in  this  book  I  would  not  be  without  for  one  thou- 
sand dollars. 

SPASMODIC  COLIC. 

Colic  is  one  of  the  most  common  as  well  as  most  danger- 
ous diseases  to  which  the  horse  is  subject.  There  are  two 
forms  of  this  disease,  namely,  Spasmodic  and  Flatulent 
Colic. 

The  first  is  wholly  of  a  spasmodic  nature,  and  if  not  re- 
lieved, will,  in  severe  cases,  run  into  inflammation  of  the 
bowels,  causing  speedy  death. 

The  second,  while  exhibiting  the  same  general  symptoms, 
shows  marked  enlargement  of  the  belly,  from  generation  of 
gas,  which,  if  not  checked  and  neutralized,  results  fatally 
by  rupturing  the  diaphragm,  causing  suffocation  and  death. 

The  common  causes  of  colic  are,  application  of  cold 
water  to  the  body,  drinking  cold  water  when  in  a  heated 
condition,  costiveness,  unwholesome  food,  etc. 

Premonitory  symptoms,  are  sudden.  The  animal  paws 
violently,  showing  evidences  of  great  distress,  shifting  his 
position  almost  constantly,  and  manifesting  a  desire  to  lie 
down.  In  a  few  minutes  these  symptoms  disappear,  and 
the  horse  is  easy.*  But  the  same  uneasiness  soon  returns, 
increasing  in  severity  until  the  animal  cannot  be  kept  upon 
his  feet;  the  pulse  is  full,  scarcely  altered  from  its  normal 
condition;  a  cold  sweat  breaks  out  over  the  body;  temper- 
ature of  legs  and  ears  natural.  As  the  disease  advances  the 


*  NOTE.— He  may  also  act  as  if  he  wanted  to  make  water,  which  he  cannot  do, 
there  being  a  spasmodic  contraction  of  the  urethra.  Hence  the  desire  to  give 
diuretic  medicine.  Straining  in  this  way  is  usually  prompted  by  a  desire  to  re- 
lieve the  muscles  of  the  belly.  No  diuretic  medicine  should  be  given  as  the  horse 
cannot  pass  urine  until  the  attack  of  colic  ceases,  or  it  is  taken  from  him  with  a 
catheter. 

It  is  very  seldom,  even  necessary  to  use  a  catheter.  In  fact,  it  is  not  necessary 
to  pay  any  attention  to  this  symptom.  As  soon  as  relieved  of  the  colic,  the  horse 
will  pass  water  freely. 


146 


DISEASES    AND    THEIR   TREATMENT. 


symptoms  become 
more  severe,  the  ani- 
mal at  times  throwing 
himself  down  with 
force,  regardless  of 
consequences,  looks 
anxiously  at  the  sides, 
sometimes  snapping 
with  the  teeth  at  the 
sides,  looking  anxious- 
ly at  the  belly,  and 
striking  upward  with 
the  hind  feet,  showing 
First  stage  of  Spasmodic  Colic.  almost  the  same  symp- 

toms as  in  inflammation  of  the  bowels.  There  are, 
however,  strongly  marked  characteristics  peculiar  to  each. 
The  better  to  point  them  out,  I  will  tabulate  them,  by  which 
the  difference  and  peculiarities  of  each  can  be  easily  deter- 
mined. 


COLIC. 
Sudden  in  its  attacks. 

Pulse,  in  the  early  stage  of  the 
disease,  not  much  quickened  or 
altered  in  its  character. 

Legs  and  ears  of  a  natural  tem- 
perature. 

Rubbing  the  belly  gives  relief. 

Relief  obtained  from  motion. 
Intervals  of  rest. 
Strength  scarcely  affected. 


INFLAMMATION  OF  BOWELS. 

Gradual  in  its  approach,  with 
previous  indications  of  fever. 

Pulse  much  quickened,  small, 
and  often  scarcely  to  be  felt. 


Legs  and  ears  cold. 


Belly  very  tender  and 
to  the  touch. 

Motion  increases  pain. 

Constant  pain. 

Rapid  and  great  weakness. 


painful 


This  disease  being  wholly  of  a  spasmodic  nature,  it  must 
be  counteracted  by  antispasmodic  treatment ;  and  laudanum 
being  the  most  powerful  and  reliable  antispasmodic  it  is 
here  indicated. 

Treatment. — Give  from  two  to  three  ounces  of  laudanum 
and  a  pint  of  raw  linseed  oil.  If  not  better  in  an  hour, 
give  two  ounces  of  laudanum  and  the  same  quantity  of  oil. 

If  there  is  not  relief  in  a  reasonable  time  after  the  second 
dose  is  given,  take  from  six  to  twelve  quarts  of  blood  from 
the  neck  vein,  according  to  the  size  of  the  horse  and  the 


DISEASES   AND   THEIR   TREATMENT. 


147 


severity  of  the  attack.     Always  in  bleeding  make  the  ori- 
fice large,  and  extract  the  blood  as  quickly  as  possible.     As 


Second  Stage  of  Spasmodic  Colic. 


Third  Stage  of  Spasmodic  Colic. 


bleeding  is  the  most  powerful  and  reliable  means  of  relax- 
ing the  system,  it  can  be  always  relied  upon  in  the  cure  of 
this  form  of  colic.  There  will  be  no  relapse  after  bleeding. 

The  following  remedy  given  me  by  Dr.  T.  Burton  of  Fultonville,  N. 
Y.,  is  one  of  the  best,  if  not  the  very  best  in  use  for  the  cure  of  either 
form  of  colic.  The  Doctor  assured  me  he  never  knew  it  to  fail  if  given 
in  a  reasonable  time.  In  every  case  it  has  been  used  under  my  own 
observation  and  by  myself  it  has  given  prompt  relief: 


FOR  COLIC  IN  HORSES— DK.  BURTON'S  REMEDY. 

Sulph.  ether  i  pint,  aromatic  spirits  ammonia  i  pint, 
sweet  spirits  nitre  2  pints,  opium  %  lb.,  asafoetida  (pure) 
%  lb.,  camphor  %  lb.  Put  it  in  a  large  bottle,  let  it  stand 
fourteen  days,  with  frequent  shaking,  and  it  will  be  fit  to 
use.  Dose:  One  ounce,  more  or  less,  according  to  the 
severity  of  the  case ;  once  in  from  thirty  minutes  to  an 
hour.  Should  be  given  in  a  little  water.* 

I  could  give  a  great  variety  of  remedies  for  this  difficulty, 
but  the  more  I  would  include,  the  more  confusion  to  the 
reader.  The  first  remedy  in  connection  with  bleeding  can 
be  relied  upon  as  one  of  the  very  best.  Bleeding  alone  will 
give  sure  relief,  but  sticking  a  knife  into  the  mouth  is  not 
the  way  to  do  this.  A  little  blood  from  the  mouth  may 
seem  a  large  quantity.  There  is  liability  to  cut  the  palate 
artery  and  have  trouble.  Should  you  be  so  imprudent,  and 

*  NOTE.— The  same  proportion  of  tincture  may  be  substituted  for  the  gum  which 
will  enable  its  immediate  use. 


148 


DISEASES   AND   THEIR   TREATMENT. 


cannot  stop  the  bleeding,  touch  the  artery  with  a  hot  iron,  or 
hold  a  sponge  filled  with  cold  water  between  the  ears.  An 
ordinary  styptic  will  not  do.  Always  bleed  from  the  neck 
vein,  (directions  for  which  are  given  under  that  head,) 
which  is  one  of  the  simplest  and  safest  of  operations. 

FLATULENT  COLIC,  (TYMPANITES.) 


Symptoms  same  as  spasmodic  colic,  with  the  difference 
of  there  being  so  great  an  accumulation  of  gas  in  the 
stomach  and  intestines  that  the  belly  is  swelled.  This  dis- 
ease will  often  prove  fatal  in  from  one  to  three  hours.  It  is 
generally  very  sudden 
in  its  attack,  often  oc- 
curring while  the  ani- 
mal is  at  work,  particu- 
larly during  warm 
weather  or  changeable 
weather  from  cold  to 
heat;  but  is  generally 
caused  by  indigestion, 
producing  gases  in  the 
bowels  or  stomach.* 

If  to  terminate  fatally 

it  will  become  weaker  and  slower  until  it  is  almost  imper- 
ceptible. If  the  animal  is  allowed  to  fall  down  suddenly 
while  pressure  of  the  gas  upon  the  walls  of  the  stomach  is 
very  great,  there  is  probability  of  rupturing  of  the  dia- 
phragm, which  would  cause  almost  instant  death  from 
suffocation. 

Treatment. — In  the  first  place  do  not  commit  the  error  of 
bleeding  for  this  form  of  colic,  as  it  would  be  almost  sure 
death.  Second,  keep  up  evaporation  of  the  body  as  much 
as  possible  by  sweating  with  blankets.  What  would  be  still 
better,  if  available,  would  be  a  hot  bath.  If  you  have  any 
of  the  remedy  comprising  ether,  ammonia,  asafcetida,  etc., 

*NOTE. — There  are  two  locations  for  this  disease,  but  in  either  it  requires  the 


First  Stage  of  Flatulent  Colic. 


horse  is  violently  swollen  along  the  belly,  flanks  and  sides  generally.  Pulse  is 
rarely  disturbed  until  the  disease  advances,  when  it  will  become  quickened,  run- 
ning to  its  height  quickly,  and  receding  as  rapidly,  if  fatal. 


DISEASES    AND    THEIR   TREATMENT.  149 

given  for  spasmodic  colic,  give  it  at  once  as  directed.  If 
this  is  not  available,  give  a  drench  of  the  following : 

Peppermint,  2  oz.;  sulph.  ether,  2  oz.;  laudanum,  i  oz.; 
soft  water,  i  pint. 

Be  particular  to  keep  the  composition  in  motion  while 
administering;  to  be  repeated  in  half  or  three-quarters  of 
an  hour  if  not  better.  There  is  great  danger  of  this  dis- 
ease ending  fatally  by  rupturing  of  the  diaphragm,  through 
the  great  distention  of  the  intestines,  and  contrary  to  the 
regular  rule  of  scientific  veterinary  surgeons'  practice.  To 
prevent  these  violent  falls  and  rolling  in  the  stall,  to  keep 
the  animal  on  his  feet  as  much  as  possible,  and  to  avoid  all 
irritation  or  action  of  the  bowels,  it  would  be  advised  that 
he  be  walked  as  slowly  as  possible,  led  by  the  head  to  prevent 
falling  or  rolling,  until  such  time  as  the  treatment  has  had 
the  desired  effect.* 

PLEUKISY— INFLAMMATION  OF  THE  LUNGS— 
CONGESTION  OF  THE  LUNGS. 

All  these  diseases  are  only  extremes  or  modifications  of 
one  disease.  I  will  include  their  treatment  under  one  head, 
first  describing  the  symptoms  peculiar  to  each. 

{All  diseases  of  the  chest  take  the  scientific  name  "  Pneu- 
monia" and  are  called  Pleurisy,  or  Pleuro-Pneumonia  ; 
Typhoid  inflammation  of  the  Lungs — Typhoid  Pneumonia  ; 
Congestion  of  the  Lungs,  or  Congestive  Pneumonia;  and 
lastly,  a  disease  known  as  Dropsy  of  the  Chest — (Hydrotho- 
rax) — which  last  is  generally  the  result  of  the  former  disease. 
When  the  word  Congestion  is  spoken  of,  it  means  in  common 
phrase,  that  one  or  the  other  (right  or  left  lobe}  of  the  lungs, 
are  so  engorged  with  blood  forced  into  them  that  they  are 
either  unable  to  receive  or  discharge  any  blood,  become  hard, 
and  almost  black  in  color.  When  in  this  stage  the  disease 
is  called  Congestion,  and  often  terminates  at  this  period  in 
death.'} 


*  NOTE. — The  ether  disturbs  the  breathing,  making  the  horse  apparently  dis- 
tressed, breathes  laboriously,  which  will  pass  off  again  in  a  few  hours.  I  could 
give  more  of  a  variety  01  treatment  for  this  form  of  colic,  but  all  things  consid- 
ered, I  think  this  is  the  safest  and  best,  if  not  the  most  reliable  for  use  by  those 
not  skilled  in  practice. 

It  is  well  to  bear  in  mind  also,  that  if  the  horse  is  small  and  the  case  not  severe, 
less  is  to  be  given,  while  if  very  large  and  the  attack  severe,  even  more  may  be 
given. 


150  DISEASES    AND    THEIR   TREATMENT. 

The  most  common  causes  of  lung  fever,  as  it  is  termed, 
are,  exposing  the  animal  while  warm  to  a  cold  wind,  or 
becoming  chilled  from  driving  fast  against  a  cold  wind, 
washing  with  cold  water  immediately  after  exercise,  changes 
from  heat  to  cold,  or  from  cold  to  heat,  removing  from  a 
warm  to  a  cold,  or  from  a  cold  to  a  warm  stable,  or  cold 
applied  to  the  surface  of  a  heated  animal,  by  which  the 
blood  is  driven  from  the  skin  and  extremities  to  the  internal 
organs,  or  any  cause  by  which  the  circulation  is  obstructed 
and  deranged,  may  excite  any  of  these  forms  of  inflamma- 
tion and  congestion. 

When  the  pleuro — (a  watery  or  fine  membrane  covering 
the  external  surface  of  the  lungs,  and  lining  membrane  of 
the  cavity  of  the  chest) — is  inflamed,  the  disease  is  called 
pleurisy. 

When  the  inflammation  is  located  in  the  lungs,  it  is  called 
pneumonia,  or  inflammation  of  the  lungs.  When  the  ac- 
tion of  the  capillaries  is  greatly  lessened  from  their  being 
weakened,  or  the  blood  being  so  forced  through  them  that 
they  are  obstructed  and  clogged,  the  difficulty  is  called  con- 
gestion of  the  lungs. 

There  cannot  be  inflammation  of  a  part  without  there 
being  more  or  less  inflammation  of  the  other  parts  surround- 
ing, and  there  cannot  be  inflammation  without  congestion, 
as  there  is  always  more  or  less  obstruction  of  the  circulation 
where  there  is  inflammation. 

PLEURISY 

may  be  sudden  or  gradual  in  its  attack,  the  horse  showing 
indisposition  sometimes  for  days  previous.  The  horse  will 
be  dull  and  heavy  in  action  for  a  day  or  two,  unwilling  to 
lie  down,  pulse  not  much  disturbed,  or  there  is  a  chill,  or 
slavering  fit,  which  lasts  from  one  to  three  hours,  when 
fever  sets  in ;  breathing  at  flanks  a  little  accelerated,  coun- 
tenance is  anxious,  the  head  is  sometimes  turned  towards 
the  side,  does  not  lie  down.  As  the  disease  advances  the 
symptoms  become  more  marked.  The  ears  and  legs  become 
cold;  the  pulse,  from  being  a  little  accelerated,  grows 
quicker,  hard  and  full;  the  head  is  hung  forward,  stands 
up  persistently,  breathing  hurried,  the  membrane  of  the 
nose  and  eyes  red.  Turning  the  horse  round,  or  hitting 
against  the  chest,  back  of  the  shoulder,  will  cause  a  kind 
of  grunt. 


DISEASES    AND   THEIR   TREATMENT. 


151 


The  Commencement  of  Inflammation  of  the  Lungs. 


CONGESTION    OF   THE   LUNGS 

is  first  noticeable  by  the  horse  having  a  severe  chill  or 
shivering  fit.     He  refuses  his  food,  hangs  his  head  between 

the  fore  legs  or  up- 
on the  manger,  will 
not  move  or  lie 
down,  breathing 
quick  and  short, 
panting  like.  The 
nostrils  are  expand- 
ed, the  head  thrown 
forward;  the  coun- 
tenance expresses 
pain  and  great  pros- 
tration. (See  cut.) 
The  pulse  is  some- 
times full  and  quick,  but  generally  quick  and  weak,  scarcely 
perceptible;  the  membrane  of  the  nose  and  eyes  bright 
red,  tending  to  purple;  ears  and  legs  very  cold;  with  a 
cold  clammy  sweat  at  the  extremities. 

In  this  case  the  inability  of  the  horse  to  take  air  into  the 
lungs  causes  great  and  rapid  prostration,  (and  will  often, 
from  extreme  pain,  lie  down  and  get  up,  resembling  colic, 
but  the  coldness  of  extremities,  prostration  and  condition 
of  pulse  will,  if  carefully  examined,  enable  an  understand- 
ing of  the  real  cause,) 
a  choking  noise  some- 
times coming  from  the 
throat.  In  some  cases 
a  little  blood  may  be 
thrown  from  one  or 
both  nostrils.  Extreme 
prostration  and  labo- 
rious breathing  and 
bleeding  from  the  nos- 
trils shows  severe  con- 
gestion of  the  lungs.  Second  staee  of  Inflammation  of  the  Lungs. 

TYPHOID   PNEUMONIA. 

First  symptoms. — The  horse  is  off  his  feed,  disinclination 
to  move,  appetite  gone,  pulse  weak  and  low — will  some- 


152 


DISEASES    AND    THEIR   TREATMENT. 


Third  stage  of  Inflammation  of  the  Lungs. 


times  eat  a  little,  will 
not  lie  down,  not 
much  cough,  rarely 
any  discoloration  of 
the  membrane  of  the 
nose  or  eyes  —  urine 
scanty  and  high  col- 
ored— faeces  hard  and 
coated.  After  two  or 
three  days  the  mem- 
brane of  the  nose  and 
eyes  a  little  discolored 
or  red,  pulse  quicker, 
65  or  70,  breathes  quicker.  About  the  fourth  or  fifth  day 
there  is  usually  a  discharge  from  the  nostrils,  of  a  blackish 
brandy  color  cerumen. 

Treatment. — Experience  proves  that  sedative  treatment 
is  the  most  effective  for  cure  of  inflammation  of  the  lungs, 
which  is  greatly  assisted  by  counter  irritation.  The  seda- 
tives proved  to  be  most  effective  and  reliable  are  aconite, 
veratrum  and  belladonna.  Veratrum  exhibits  great  power 
in  lowering  the  action  of  the  heart,  while  aconite  is  not 
only  a  powerful  sedative,  but  seems  to  act  as  a  stimulant  to 
the  capillaries,  thereby  causing  profuse  perspiration. 

There  is  so  little  judgment  or  attention  given  to  condi- 
tion in  giving  medicine  and  its  effects  upon  the  system, 
that  I  shall  be  compelled  to  limit  myself  to  the  most  effect- 
ive simple  treatment.  There  are  but  few  who  seem  to  know 
anything  about  the  pulse ;  this  of  course  should  be  under- 
stood, directions  in  relation  to  which,  find  in  another 
chapter. 

Take  of  tincture  (radi)  aconite  i  oz.;  veratrum  ^  oz.; 
soft  water  4  oz.  Dose  from  15  to  30  drops  on  the  tongue, 
every  thirty  or  forty  minutes,  more  or  less,  and  at  longer  or 
shorter  intervals,  according  to  the  severity  of  the  case.  In 
ordinary  cases  the  veratrum  may  be  omitted.  If  the  case  is 
found  to  be  obstinate  the  veratrum  may  be  added  or  given 
separately  in  about  the  same  proportion. 

FOR   AN    ATTACK   OF   PLEURISY. 

Blanket  warmly,  and  put  in  a  comfortable  stall,  where 
there  will  be  pure  air,  and  give  of  the  above  fever  medicine 


DISEASES    AND    THEIR   TREATMENT.  153 

from  15  to  30  drops  every  twenty  or  thirty  minutes,  on  the 
tongue.  If  the  case  is  severe  apply  some  strong  stimulant 
to  the  legs  and  on  each  side  of  the  body  and  breast,  such 
as/ mustard  made  into  a  paste  and  rubbed  in  thoroughly,  or 
a  liniment  composed  of  aqua  ammonia,  reduced  one-half 
with  water ;  or  any  strong  stimulating  liniment  should  be 
applied.  The  legs  may  also  be  rubbed  and  bandaged 
warmly  but  not  tightly,  or  some  stimulating  preparation 
may  be  used  before  bandaging.* 

INFLAMMATION    OF   THE    LUNGS    OR   CONGESTION. 

Treat  as  for  Pleiirisy. — If  there  is  much  congestion,  it 
is  necessary  to  give  prompt  relief,  which  can  be  done  best 
by  taking  four  to  six  quarts  of  blood  quickly  from  the  neck 
vein,  stimulate  the  sides  and  legs,  and  give  fever  medicine 
as  for  pleurisy.  I  wish  now  to  call  your  attention  to  what 
you  must  not  do.  First,  you  must  not  give  physic  or  oil 
for  any  of  the  forms  of  inflammation  of  the  lungs.  Cathar- 
tic medicine  in  any  form  is  poisonous,  such  as  aloes,  oils,  or 
tartar  emetic.  There  is  so  much  nausea  attending  the  oper- 
ation of  these  medicines  and  debility  from  their  effect. 
There  being  also  such  powerful  sympathy  between  the  bow- 
els and  the  lungs,  that  they  hasten  the  cause  of  the 
inflammation  of  the  lungs,  often  producing  death  in  a  few 
hours  after  administering  them.  Second,  do  not  bleed  for 
pleurisy,  as  so  doing  would  cause  debility  of  the  capilla- 
ries of  the  part  that  would  induce  hydrathorax  and  death. 
In  a  severe  attack  of  congestion,  bleeding  cannot  only  be 
resorted  to  with  safety,  but  is  the  quickest  and  surest  treat- 
ment to  give  relief,  but  must  not  be  carried  too  far,  merely 
to  assist  the  lungs  to  throw  off  the  load  of  blood  forced 
upon  them,  and  to  give  the  medicine  prescribed  a  chance 
to  operate. 

TYPHOID    PNEUMONIA TREATMENT. 

As  the  word  typhoid  means  low,  it  is  necessary  to  watch 
it  carefully  in  that  stage,  which  will  last  as  described  in  the 
symptoms,  the  first  four  or  five  days,  when  in  many 


*NOTE. — If  you  give  a  few  doses  of  aconite  as  above  prepared,  about  the  time 
fever  sets  in,  or  before,  the  horse  will  be  relieved  next  day  A.  few  swallows  of  wa- 
ter should  be  given  occasionally.  Improvement  will  be  denoted  by  the  pulse 
becoming  full  and  regular,  and  the  expression  and  actions  being  lively, 

7* 


154  DISEASES   AND   THEIR   TREATMENT. 

cases  the  pulse  may  run  down  to  thirty.  Stimulants 
should  be  used  at  this  stage,  such  as  a  little  brandy  and 
water  or  whisky  and  water.  A  gill  or  two  of  liquor  to  be 
given  as  a  drench,  or  what  is  much  better,  is,  take  carbonate 
of  ammonia,  from  one  to  two  drachms ;  powdered  ginger 
root,  one  to  two  drachms,  made  into  a  ball  with  honey  or 
molasses  and  given  twice  a  day.  It  should  be  remembered 
that  this  treatment  alone  is  intended  only  for  the  low  stage 
of  the  disease.  When  the  pulse  seems  to  rise  to  fifty  or  sixty 
about  the  fifth  or  sixth  day,  the  patient  should  then  be 
treated  as  for  pleurisy,  with  fever  medicine.  Under  the 
influence  of  the  latter  treatment,  the  pulse  will  recede  and 
resume  its  natural  number  of  beats  (forty).  In  this  form 
of  disease  it  is  extremely  prostrated  at  first,  the  whole  sys- 
tem being  inactive.  The  pulse  may  run  up  in  time  to 
seventy,  or  even  eighty.* 

The  reader  may  take  up  veterinary  works,  and  those  too 
by  good  authority,  in  which  he  is  told  to  bleed  for  pleurisy 
and  lung  fever;  bleed  until  the  pulse  falters.  I  have  only 
to  say  that  I  give  you  what  I  know  from  experience  to  be 
safe,  reliable  treatment,  and  you  are  safe  in  following  im- 
plicity  the  treatment  given.  Indeed,  for  all  ordinary  cases, 
a  few  doses  of  aconite,  to  which  may  be  added,  if  desired, 
a  little  belladonna  and  veratrum  in  the  proportion  given, 
including  same  proportion  of  belladonna  there  is  of  vera- 
trum, given  promptly,  will  in  almost  every  instance  give 
relief  quickly. 

Dr.  Somerville  of  Buffalo,  puts  up  a  preparation  for  the 
cure  of  lung  fever,  colds  and  chills,  which  is  specific.  It 
will  cure  every  case  of  chills  or  fever.  A  bottle  of  which 
should  be  kept  in  every  stable.  If  available  at  your  drug- 
gist's, get  a  bottle  by  all  means.  It  is  just  the  thing,  and 
cheap  at  any  price. 

See  also  introductory  chapter  to  treatment  of  diseases 
before  treatment  for  colic. 


*  NOTE. — lu  all  cases  in  feeding  while  the  animal  is  laboring  under  any  of  the 
forms  of  pneumonia,  the  animal  should  be  kept  moderately  warm,  have  plenty  of 
pure  air,  cold  water  in  small  quantities,  a  hand  full  of  wet  hay,  a  carrot  or  two, 
an  apple  or  a  potato  or  more ;  anything  of  an  alterative  form.  Be  careful  not  to 
exercise  too  soon. 


DISEASES    AND    THEIR   TREATMENT. 


155 


Effect  of  a  Cold. 


CATARRH,  OR  COLD. 

Cold    is   of  common   occurrence,  and 

may  lead  to  very  serious  consequences  if 

neglected.     If  looked  to  in  time,  with  a 

little  rest  and  nursing,  the  system  will  soon 

resume  its  normal  condition. 

The  usual  symptoms  are,  a  little  increase 

of  pulse,  a  slight  discharge  from  the  nose 

and   eyes,  the   hair    roughed,  not   much 

appetite,  and  some  cough,  which  is  some- 
times severe. 

Blanket    warmly,  give    aconite   as   for 

fever.  Nurse  by  giving  bran  mashes,  etc. 
If  the  case  is  serious  it  may  run  into  general 
inflammation  of  the  air  passages,  as  bronchitis 
or  laryngitis.  Would  aim  to  keep  up  the 
strength,  giving  fever  medicine,  alternating 
with  belladonna.  Put  on  a  bag,  made  of 
coarse,  loose  cloth,  into  which  put  some 
bran  on  which  throw  an  ounce  or  two  of 
turpentine.  Hang  the  bag  on  the  head,  same 
as  in  cut,  being  careful  not  to  have  it  so  tight 
around  the  nose  as  to  heat  or  scald  and  be 
oppressive.  A  few  repetitions  of  this  will 
cause  the  nose  to  run  freely.  Rest  and  care 
will  usually  do  the  rest. 

If  there  vis  obstinate  inflammation  of  the 
throat  and  air  passages,  any  good  liniment 


Steaming  the  Nose 
of  a  Horse  having 
Cold. 


156 


DISEASES    AND    THEIR   TREATMENT. 


may  be  applied  around  the  chest  and  throat  and  bandaged, 
as  shown  in  the  cut.  The  object  is  to  stimulate  the  surface, 
and  this  would  be  an  easy,  practical  way  of  doing  it. 


Severe  attack  of  Distemper. 


STRANGLES   OB  DISTEMPER. 

This  is  another  form  of  sore-throat,  familiar  to  every  one. 
Its  design  seems  to  be  to  throw  some  poisonous  matter  from 
the  system,  and  the  object  should  be  to  keep  the  strength 
of  the  animal  up  and  hasten  suppuration. 

The  horse  is  out  of  sorts;  the 
neck  becomes  sore  and  stiff;  an 
enlargement  appears  which  is  first 
hard  and  tender;  there  is  some 
discharge  from  the  nose.  The  case 
usually  grows  worse,  if  very  severe, 
often  threatening  to  cause  suffoca- 
tion; horse  unable  to  eat  or  drink 
but  little,  and  strength  is  lost 
rapidly. 

Use  freely  a  poultice  made  of  wheat  bran  and  warm 
vinegar,  changing  as  often  as  the 
poultice  becomes  dry,  using  the 
eight-tailed    bandage,  until    the 
enlargement  becomes  soft  and  can 
be   opened,  when   relief  will  be 
prompt.     Or  the  following  treat- 
ment may  be  adopted,  which  is 
similar,  and  if  the  alteration  is 
not   good,  is    preferable:    Take 
spirits  of  turpentine,  two  parts; 
spirits    of    camphor,  one    part; 
laudanum,  one  part.     Put  this  on  the  neck  with  a  brush,  if 
convenient,  or  any  way  to  apply  it 
without  exciting  pain,  three  or  four 
times  a  day  until  soreness  is  caused. 
After  each  application  have  ready 
three   or   four   pieces    of   flannel, 

Which     should     be    a    good     thick  Eight-Tailed  Bandage. 

article;    put  these  over  the  parts 

and  bind  on  with  the  eight-tailed  bandage.     When  the 

tumor  points,  open  it,  and  be  sure  that  the  matter  has  a 


Applying  an  Eight-Tailed  Bandage 
in  Distemper. 


DISEASES    AND   THEIR   TREATMENT.  157 

thorough  outlet.  Sometimes  the  inflammation  is  so  deep  as 
to  cause  serious  soreness  and  swelling  of  the  throat.  In  this 
case  the  horse  must  be  nursed  carefully  by  feeding  with 


Opening  the  Abscess  in  Distemper. 

warm  gruel;  the  drink  should  be  warm;  grass  or  anything 
that  will  tempt  the  appetite  should  be  given.  Simpler 
treatment  would  be  rubbing  on  the  enlargement  an  ordinary 
fly-blister,  to  bring  the  enlargement  to  a  head.  Physic  must 
not  be  given. 

INFLAMMATION  OF  THE  BOWELS. 

This  disease  is  generally  caused  by  constipation  of  the 
bowels,  hard  driving,  over-purging  or  looseness  of  bowels, 
or  drinking  cold  water  when  warm.  Constipation  is,  how- 
ever, the  principal  cause  of  the  disease,  and  when  this  is 
the  case,  the  first  and  most  important  condition  of  relief  is 
to  get  an  action  of  the  bowels. 

Symptoms.  —  For  the  .first 
few  hours  the  horse  is  uneasy, 
paws,  looks  around  at  the  side, 
the  pulse  is  slightly  accelerated 
and  wiry.  As  the  disease  ad- 
vances the  intermissions  be- 
tween the  attack  become  less, 
pulse  quicker,  running  from 

Symptoms  of  Intestinal  and  Abdomi-    seventy    to    eighty    beats    in    a 

Inflam-  minute,  in  some  instances  even 


158  DISEASES    AND    THEIR   TREATMENT., 

faster;  lies  down  and  gets  up,  shows  much  pain,  no  swelling 
of  sides.  Now  begins  to  exhibit  fever,  bowels  constipated, 
urine  highly  colored  and  scanty. 

Remedy. — Give  a  quart  of  raw  linseed  oil. 

Note. — If  constipation  is  very  great,  add  from  four  to  six 
drops  of  croton  oil. 

If  scours  or  over-purging,  give  an  ounce  and  a  half  of  the 
tincture  of  opium  .with  six  ounces  of  water.  But  in  order 
to  suppress  the  inflammation  it  is  necessary  to  bleed  imme- 
diately from  the  neck  vein  from  six  to  ten  quarts  of  blood, 
according  to  the  strength  and  size  of  the  animal.  In 
extreme  cases  bleeding  may  be  repeated  to  the  extent  of 
four  to  six  quarts  in  three  or  four  hours.  If  much  pain 
exists  in  constipation,  give  from  one  to  three  ounces 
tincture  asafcetida.  Feed  lightly  for  a  week  at  least,  giving 
gruel,  roots,  grass  and  bran  mashes,  and  keep  quiet.  No 
exercise  for  several  days  if  there  is  danger  of  a  relapse. 
This  a  dangerous  disease  and  requires  prompt  treatment. 

INFLAMMATION  OF  THE  KIDNEYS. 

Inflammation  of  the  kidneys  is  generally  caused  by  hard 
work,  by  slipping,  throwing  the  hind  parts  so  suddenly  under 
the  belly  as  to  produce  undue  tension  of  the  lumbar  verte- 
brae, or  from  sudden  colds  by  being  exposed  to  rain  and 
cold,  the  eating  of  musty  hay  or  oats,  or  unhealthy  food  of 
any  kind.  Too  powerful  or  too 
often  repeated  diuretics  produce  in- 
flammation of  the  kidneys,  or  a 
degree  of  irritation  and  weakness  of 
them  that  disposes  to  inflammation, 
from  causes  that  would  otherwise 
have  no  injurious  effect. 

Symptoms.  —  Less  or  more  fever 
of  the  system  generally,  and  unwil- 
lingness to  move,  particularly  the 
hind  legs,  dung  hard  and  coated, 
very  sensitive  to  pressure  on  the 
spine.  The  horse  looks  anxiously 

round   at   his   flanks,  Stands  with  his    Appearance  of  a  Horse  Suffer- 

hind   legs  wide   apart,  straddles    as 
he  walks,  shows  pain  in  turning;  the 


DISEASES   AND   THEIR   TREATMENT. 


159 


Test  for  Inflammation  of 
the  Kidneys. 


urine  is  voided  in  small  quantities,  and  is  usually  high 
colored,  sometimes  bloody;  the  attempt  to  urinate  becomes 
more  frequent,  and  the  quantity  voided  smaller,  until  the 
animal  strains  violently,  without  being  able  to  pass  any  or 
but  very  little  urine.  The  pulse  is 
quick  and  hard,  full  in  the  early 
stage  of  the  disease,  but  rapidly  be- 
coming small,  though  not  losing  its 
character  of  hardness.  Introduce 
the  hand  into  the  rectum.  If  the 
bladder  is  found  full  and  hard  under 
the  rectum,  there  is  inflammation  of 
the  neck  of  the  bladder.  If  the 
bladder  is  empty,  yet  on  the  portion 
of  the  intestimes  immediately  over 
it  there  is  more  than  natural  heat 
and  tenderness,  there  is  inflammation 
of  the  body  of  the  bladder.  If  the 
bladder  is  empty  and  there  is  no 
increased  tenderness  and  heat,  there 
is  inflammation  of  the  kidneys. 

Treatment. — If  the  pulse  is  high,  about  sixty,  take  five  or 
six  quarts  of  blood  and  give  a  fever  ball;  to  be  repeated  in 
three  hours  if  not  better.  Fever  ball :  4  drams  Barbadoes 
aloes,  i  dram  tartar  emetic,  2  drams  ginger,  calomel  about 
the  size  of  a  bean,  molasses  sufficient  to  make  into  a  ball. 
Counter  irritation  must  next  be  excited  over  the  seat  of  the 
disease.  The  loins  should  be  fomented  with  hot  water  or 
covered  with  mustard  poultice,  or,  better,  heat  a  peck  of 
salt  in  an  oven,  place  it  in  a  bag,  and  put  it  over  the  part 
affected."  If  the  case  is  severe  and  protracted,  a  sharp  blister 
may  be  used.  No  diuretics  are  to  be  given,  as  they  would 
simply  aggravate,  and  make  the  disease  worse.  After  the 
bowels  are  open,  give  aconite,  and  treat  as  for  fever.  After 
recovery  the  horse  sbould  be  kept  very  quiet  for  a  month, 
and  if  in  season,  turned  out  to  grass.  If  in  winter,  feed 
with  light  mashy  diet;  exercise  lightly  by  leading,  if  the 
animal  be  valuable  and  it  is  desired  to  aid  recovery  by 
extra  care. 


160  DISEASES   AND   THEIR   TREATMENT. 


INFLAMMATION  OF  THE  BLADDER. 

Symptoms  almost  the  same  as  those  of  inflammation  of  the 
kidneys.  Frequent  voiding  of  urine  in  small  quantities, 
quick  pulse,  looks  frequently  at  flanks,  paws  violently,  ten- 
der when  pressed  upon  under  the  flanks. 

Here  the  principal  object  is  to  lower  inflammation  and 
relax  the  muscular  contraction  of  the  neck  of  the  bladder. 
Bleed  largely,  almost  to  fainting;  give  physic  as  for  inflam- 
mation of  the  kidneys,  or  a  quart  of  linseed  oil.  A  dram 
of  powdered  opium,  made  into  a  ball,  or  given  in  drink, 
every  two  or  three  hours,  and  blister  over  the  loins.  Give 
aconite,  as  for  inflammation  of  the  kidneys.* 

INFLAMMATION  OF  THE  BRAIN,  OR  STAGGERS, 

Is  first  noticeable  by  dullness  or  sleepiness  of  the  eyes,  an 
unwillingness  to  move,  general  heaviness  of  the  system. 
This  disease  is  frequently  called  megrims,  fits  and  mad  stag- 
gers; but  in  part  only  one  disease,  according  to  the  extent 
of  such  disease  as  the  animal  may  be  affected  with. 

The  cause  of  staggers,  is,  an  undue  flow  of  blood  to  the 
brain,  which  rarely  or  never  occurs  in  any  animals  except 
those  in  a  plethoric  (fat)  condition. 

Some  writers  and  practitioners  assert  that  there  is  a 
disease  known  as  stomach  staggers.  I  have  never  seen  a 
case  where  it  was  necessary  to  treat  the  stomach,  but  always 
direct  attention  to  the  brain,  as  being  the  seat  of  this 
disease,  which  may  be  properly  called  head  staggers.  (In 
his  lecture  on  this  difficulty,  Dr.  Somerville  was  emphatic 
in  this  conclusion.) 

In  cases  of  megrims  or  fits  it  is  merely  a  lesser  attack,  or 
pressure  of  the  blood-vessels  on  the  brain,  and  mad  staggers 
is  a  greater  pressure  of  the  same  vessels  on  the  same  part. 
The  brain  is  divided  into  two  parts,  namely,  cerebrum  and 
cerebellum,  which  occupy  a  horny  box  in  the  head.  The 
blood-vessels  passing  over  the  brain  and  coming  in  contact 
with  the  skull,  become  distended  by  an  increased  quantity 
of  blood,  and  produce  the  feeling,  which  is  thus  exhibited. 

*  If  possible  call  a  veterinary  surgeon  who  will  introduce  a  catheter  which 
will  relieve  the  animal  immediately. 


DISEASES    AND   THEIR   TREATMENT.  1G1 

There  is  but  one  cure  for  this  disease,  and  that  is,  remove 
the  cause.  Bleed  largely  from  the  neck — ten,  twelve  or 
fourteen  quarts,  or  until  the  symptoms  of  fainting.  After 
the  horse  is  convalescent  a  sharp  dose  of  physic  should  be 
given  to  regulate  the  bowels.  I  would  advise  owners  of  such 
horses  to  dispose  of  them.  Once  taken  with  the  disease, 
they  are  subject  to  a  repetition  of  the  attack  when  the  blood- 
vessels ^become  filled  again. 

Note. — Small  doses  of  aconite  (of  the  quantity  for  fever) 
may  be  given  three  or  four  times  a  day  as  a  good  preventive. 
Turning  horses  to  pasture  that  may  be  liable  to  this  disease, 
will  prove  both  injurious  and  dangerous. 

FOUNDER,  (LAMINITIS.) 

There  are  two  stages  of  this  disease,  acute  and  chronic. 
The  first  produces  a  high  state  of  excitement  and  inflamma- 
tion of  the  sensible  laminae  of  the  foot.  The  second,  a 
morbid  or  insensible  feeling  of  the  parts  generally.  The 
first  is  invariably  cured  if  properly  treated.  The  second  is 
not  curable,  but  may  be  palliated  to  a  limited  extent. 
Acute  founder  is  easily  detected.  The  animal  invariably 
extends  the  fore  feet  as  far  forward  as  he  can,  and  brings 
the  hind  ones  in  the  same  position  under  him.  There  is  so 
much  pain  in  the  fore  feet  that  he  endeavors  to  throw  his 
weight  on  the  hind  ones.  (See  cut.)  The  common  causes 
of  founder  are  exposing  the  animal  when  warm  to  sudden 
changes,  usually  produced  by  the  following  means,  namely: 
Standing  in  cold  air  when  warm,  after  being  driven, 
driving  through  a  river  while  warm,  or  giving  cold  water  to 
drink  while  warm,  washing  the  feet  when  warm  and  neg- 
lecting to  dry  them,  &c.  It  is  generally  supposed  that 
feeding  a  horse  while  warm  will  produce  founder.  This  is 
an  error,  unless  it  is  such  food  as  will  chill  the  system, 
which  may  be  done  by  giving  a  large  quantity  of  cold  wet 
mixed  feed,  whereby  the  circulation  would  be  checked,  as 
before  explained. 

Founder  is  simply  inflammation  in  the  feet,  whatever 
general  disturbance  of  the  system  is  caused  by  the  pain  and 
soreness  in  them,  and  the  correct  principle  of  cure  is  to 
lower  and  remove  this  inflammation  before  change  of  struc- 
ture or  sloughing  can  take  place. 


162  DISEASES    AND    THEIR   TREATMENT. 

Treatment. — As  soon  as  the  disease  has  developed  itself, 
bleed  from  the  neck,  according  to  the  size  and  condition  of 
the  animal — from  six  to  twelve  quarts.  Then  give  a  sharp 
cathartic  ball  (7  drams  aloes,  4  drams  bar  soap,  i  dram  gin- 
ger). Make  into  a  ball  and  give  immediately.  After  the 


The  Horse  as  he  Appears  when  Suffering  from  Inflammation 
in  the  Feet,  or  Founder. 

fore  shoes  have  been  removed,  poultice  thoroughly  with 
bran  wet  with  cold  water.  This  poultice  may,  while  on  the 
feet,  be  kept  wet  by  dipping  the  poulticed  foot  into  a  pail 
of  cold  water,  or  pouring  some  on.  This  poulticing  should 
be  kept  up  from  four  to  five  days,  when  the  shoes  may  be 
tacked  on,  and  the  animal  exercised  a  little.  Cloths  wet 
with  cold  water  should  be  tied  around  the  coronet  and  the 
soles  stuffed  for  a  week  or  two.  The  horse  should  have 
tepid  water  to  drink  and  warm  bran  mashes  during  the 
operation  of  the  medicine.  If  the  disease  should  be  stub- 
born, which  is  rarely  the  case,  a  second  ball  may  be  given 
after  an  interval  of  five  days. 

Nothing  can  be  done  for  a  sub-acute  founder,  or  case 
badly  treated.  If  the  sole  is  broken  down  do  not  pare  the 
sole.  Fit  the  shoe  so  as  not  to  press  on  the  sole.  Stuff 
the  whole  bottom  with  oakum  and  tar,  and  apply  leather 
over.  Put  on  the  shoe  carefully.  Cure  is  impossible.  If 
warm  fomentations  are  used,  instead  of  cold,  a  relaxation 
of  the  sensible  laminae  on  the  wall  of  the  foot  is  liable  to 
take  place. 


DISEASES   AND    THEIR   TREATMENT.  163 

The  great  trouble  with  most  farmers  and  horsemen  is, 
they  do  not  know  either  how  to  bleed  or  give  a  ball  of 
physic  medicine. 

In  that  case  you  must  do  all  you  can  by  poulticing  the 
feet  and  the  use  of  sedatives.  Take  a  large  tub  or  part  of 
a  barrel ;  put  in  some  blue  clay,  upon  which  pour  hot  water. 
(The  mixture  should  come  half  way  to  the  knees  when  the 
horse  stands  in  it.)  See  that  it  is  not  hot  enough  to  scald. 
vStand  the  horse  in  for  several  hours,  after  which  poulticing 
as  before,  at  the  same  time  give  aconite  as  for  fever.  You 
can  also  give  a  pint  of  raw  linseed  oil.  It  would  be  also 
conducive  to  success  to  bleed  from  the  toes,  which  can  be 
easily  done  by  cutting  through  the  sole  at  the  toe. 

If,  however,  you  can  treat  as  first  advised,  your  success 
will  be  certain,  as  this  treatment  I  know  will  cure  any  case 
of  acute  founder,  or  laminitis. 

HEAVES,  OK  BROKEN  WIND. 

Heaves  produces  increased  action  of  the  flanks.  The 
inspiration  is  natural,  but  the  expiration  requires  two  mo- 
tions to  expel  the  air.  There  is  always  a  short  cough,  or 
grunt,  and  at  the  same  time  expels  wind  while  coughing. 
Heaves  are  never  found  in  the  racing  stable,  where  horses 
are  properly  fed.  They  are  always  found  among  cart  or 
team  horses,  where  the  owners  suppose  they  must  feed  a 
large  quantity  of  coarse  food  or  hay. 

The  seat  of  the  disease  is  located  in  the  air  cells  of  the 
lungs,  causing  enlargement  and  sometimes  a  rupture  of  these 
cells.  A  result  of  bronchitis,  or  inflammation  of  the  small 
air  passages  of  the  lungs,  is  the  lodgment  of  mucous  fluid  in 
those  passages  of  the  lungs,  causing  inability  to  breathe, 
(wheeze,)  and  leads  to  this  result.  But  in  all  cases  of 
heaves  we  find  the  horse  to  be  a  greedy  eater, — stuffs  the 
stomach  with  coarse  food,  causing  the  lungs  to  be  greatly 
restricted  in  their  action,  causing  an  enlargement  of  or  rup- 
turing of  the  air  cells. 

An  important  and  necessary  auxiliary  to  the  successful 
treatment  of  heaves  is  restricting  the  quantity  of  coarse 
food  or  hay,  and  increasing  that  of  condensed,  nourishing 
food,  thereby  giving  the  lungs  increased  room  to  act. 
Horses  fed  on  chopped  stuff,  corn  fodder,  etc.,  improve, 
and  get  worse  by  being  fed  on  coarse  food  or  hay. 


164  DISEASES    AND    THEIR   TREATMENT. 

Heaves  disappear  by  feeding  prairie  hay  or  grass,  because 
it  is  so  coarse  the  horse  cannot  gorge  the  stomach  with  it. 
Hence  there  is  improvement  by  feeding  corn  stalks  or  fod- 
der, as  they  contain  more  saccharine  matter  and  do  not 
engorge  the  stomach.  I  have  given  the  tincture  of  rosin 
weed,  which  is  claimed  to  be  the  curative  principle  of 
prairie  hay,  without  satisfactory  results,  and  can  produce 
equally  satisfactory  results  by  other  treatment  that  is  claimed 
for  that  of  feeding  prairie  hay. 

First  give  one  of  the  following  balls:  Ginger,  powdered, 
y?  oz.;  capsicum,  %  oz-  Form  a  ball.  This  ball  to  be 
given  three  nights  in  succession;  then  omit  two  or  three 
nights,  and  one  or  two  balls  may  be  given  again  in  succes- 
sion. The  horse  should  have  regular  exercise,  be  watered 
often,  (small  quantities  at  a  time,)  and  have  straw  instead 
of  hay  to  eat,  (corn  fodder  would  be  much  better.)  Under 
this  treatment  heaves  will  disappear, 

FAVORITE    REMEDIES    FOR   HEAVES. 

1.  Spanish  brown,  2  oz.;  tartar  emetic,  2  oz.;  resin,  4  oz.; 
ginger,  2  oz.     Mix  and  give  two  teaspoonfuls  twice  a  day 
in  the  feed. 

2.  Vegetable  tar,  in  mass,  ^  oz.;  gum  camphor,  ^  oz.; 
tartar  emetic,  i  dram.     Form  into  a  ball,  one  of  which  is 
to  be  given  once  a  day. 

3.  Take  indigo,  i  oz.; 'saltpeter,  i  oz.;  rain  water,  i  gal- 
lon ;  mix  and  give  a  pint  twice  a  day  in  the  feed. 

I  could  include  a  great  many  pretended  "sure  cures  "  for 
heaves.  I  have  used  in  my  practice  almost  everything  for 
this  purpose,  comprising  sulphuric  acid  and  corrosive  sub- 
limate, etc.,  as  experiments,  and  find  them  comparatively 
or  wholly  worthless.  If  the  horse  shows  heaves  after  a 
severe  cold  or  inflammation  of  the  lungs,  there  will  be 
wheezing  from  a  filling  of  the  air  passages  with  mucus. 
Hence  gentle  exercise,  stimulating  medicine  to  the  air  pas- 
sages and  lungs,  and  condensing  the  food,  will  give  relief, 
since  the  lungs  are  thereby  stimulated  and  freed  from 
mucus,  as  well  as  giving  freedom  to  act,  and  there  is,  in 
consequence,  relief. 

You  will  find  the  above  treatment  to  work  splendidly  in 
most  cases.  They  will  give  relief  in  all  cases  with  proper 
attention  to  feeding,  and  will  in  many  cases  possibly  make 
a  cure. 


DISEASES   AND   THEIR   TREATMENT.  165 


TO  CUKE  ROARING.  OR  WHISTLINGK 

The  following  treatment  for  the  cure  of  roaring,  or  whistling,  as  it  is 
termed,  has  been  used  by  Mr.  E.  D.  Conklin,  and  others,  in  Cleveland, 
Ohio,  and  they  claim  the  mcst  satisfactory  results.  Mr.  Conklin,  who  is 
a  large  owner  of  horses,  and  perfectly  reliable,  states  that  he  cured  one 
very  bad  case;  could  not  pull  a  load  two  rods  up-hill  without  blowing 
and  choking  down ;  was  completely  cured  in  six  weeks.  Has  tried  it 
in  a  number  of  cases,  and  always  with  satisfactory  results.  The  treat- 
ment was  introduced  by  Mr.  Johnson,  of  Cleveland,  who  claims  he  can 
cure  any  case.  As  there  is  no  really  satisfactory  treatment  for  this  dif- 
ficulty in  regular  practice  that  I  know  of,  I  give  this  remedy  and  state 
my  authority.  It  can  be  tried  with  safety. 

Treatment. — From  10  to  20  drops  of  sponga  fosta  on  the 
tongue  in  the  morning.  At  night  the  same  proportion  of 
Fowler's  Solution  in  the  same  manner,  to  be  repeated 
alternately  for  from  four  to  six  weeks,  giving  more  or  less 
and  for  a  longer  or  shorter  time,  according  to  the  severity 
of  the  case,  until  a  cure  is  effected. 


TETANUS,  OR  LOCKED  JAW. 

This  disease  is  wholly  of  a  nervous  character.  A  descrip- 
tion of  the  symptoms  is  scarcely  necessary,  but  in  the  first 
stage  there  is  a  disinclination  to  move;  then  the  tail  be- 
comes erect  and  quivers,  the  ears  set  back,  and  the 
conjunctiva  is  thrown  over  the  pupil  of  the  eye,  and  the 
head  is  elevated. 

As  the  disease  advances,  the  muscles  all  over  the  neck 
and  body  become  stiff  and  rigid,  and  the  legs  have  the  ap- 
pearance of  a  four-footed  stool.  The  animal  has  little  or 
no  power  to  move. 

For  the  first  few  days  the  teeth  remain  apart,  but  as  the 
disease  advances,  the  muscles  of  the  jaw  become  so  con- 
tracted as  to  bring  them  close  together.  Hence  the  name 
of  locked  jaw. 

The  causes  of  this  disease  are  numerous,  but  it  is  gener- 
ally produced  from  a  wounded  nerve  or  bunch  of  nerves, 
pricking  the  tail,  and  very  often  from  docking,  punctured 
wounds  in  the  feet  from  glass  or  nails,  and  sometimes  from 
severe  exposure  to  cold,  and  I  have  known  one  case  to  occur 
from  fright.  As  to  the  pulse,  it  is  almost  normal  for  the 
first  few  days.  As  the  disease  advances  the  pulse  quickens, 


1G6  DISEASES   AND   THEIR   TREATMENT. 

and  the  animal  is  compelled  to  stand  on  his  legs  until 
death,  if  it  terminates  fatally.  If  favorably,  a  relaxation 
of  the  muscles  begins  from  the  fifth  to  the  seventh  day. 
This  disease  is  more  common  in  the  extreme  South  than  in 
the  North. 

Treatment. — First,  as  the  disease  is  of  a  nervous  charac- 
ter, quietness  is  of  the  greatest  importance.  The  animal 
should  be  put  into  an  isolated  place  or  box,  by  himself,  and 
the  cause  of  the  disease  found.  If  from  docking,  the  next 
joint  should  be  taken  off  the  tail.  If  from  a  wound  in  the 
foot,  the  wound  should  be  opened  up  and  made  new,  and 
an  application  of  digestive  ointment  inserted,  so  as  to  pro- 
duce a  healthy  flow  of  matter.  When  the  irritation  has 
ceased  from  the  wound,  a  pail  of  gruel  should  be  placed 
before  him,  in  which  is  mixed  half  an  ounce  of  tartar 
emetic.  This  medicine  should  be  given  daily,  and  the  spine 
rubbed  well  with  a  strong  liniment,  composed  of  one  part 
of  aqua  ammonia  and  two  parts  of  sweet  oil.  This  embro- 
cation should  be  employed  daily  until  the  back  becomes 
sore. 

Tetanus  never  arises  from  a  wound  until  about  the  period 
that  it  may  be  considered  healed.  Bleeding  about  four 
quarts  daily  for  four  or  five  days  has  cured  several  bad 
cases.  Think  if  the  bowels  can  be  regulated,  quietness  has 
more  to  do  in  producing  a  cure  than  all  other  remedies. 

POLL  EVIL  AND  FISTULA  OF   THE  WITHEKS. 

These  difficulties  are  of  the  same  character,  though  in 
different  locations,  and  the  treatment  of  one  will  be  suffi- 
cient for  both.  Poll  evil  is  sometimes  caused  by  striking 
the  poll  against  a  beam  or  floor,  being  struck  or  otherwise 
injured,  or  it  may  be  the  result  of  constitutional  predisposi- 
tion. 

When  the  inflammation  and  enlargement  are  first  discov- 
ered, you  may  be  able  to  disperse  it  by  giving  a  dose  of 
physic  and  applying  cooling  applications  to  the  part. 

If  the  inflammation  does  not  abate,  clip  the  hair  and  rub 
on  some  blistering  ointment.  When  the  swelling  enlarges, 
open  and  allow  the  pus' to  escape;  cut  down  to  the  bottom, 
making  a  good  large  orifice. 


DISEASES    AND    THEIR   TREATMENT.  1C7 

In  treating  all  ulcers,  there  is  one  point  that  must  be  kept 
in  mind,  and  that  is  to  make  an  opening  at  the  bottom  if 
you  can,  to  let  the  matter  run  out,  as  matter  always  bur- 
rows to  the  bottom.  This  should  be  done  by  running  a 
seaton  through,  bringing  it  out  a  little  lower  than  the  bot- 
tom of  the  wound,  or  what  is  termed  a  dependent  opening. 
Wash  the  sore  out  clean.  It  is  afterwards  to  be  washed 
clearly  with  any  of  the  healing  preparations  for  ulcers,  given 
in  another  page. 

If  pipes  are  formed  requiring  caustic  medicine,  you  can 
use  either  chloride  of  zinc,  corrosive  sublimate,  or  any 
strong  escorotic  to  destroy  such  growth,  after  which  treat  as 
before.  These  are  very  serious  difficulties  to  treat,  requir- 
ing proper  dressing  daily. 

Fistula  of  withers  to  be  treated  in  the  same  manner.  The 
principle  of  treating  these  difficulties  is  really  the  same  as 
that  of  any  ordinary  deep  seated  ulcer,  more  special  direc- 
tions for  the  treatment  of  which  will  be  found  under  that 
head. 

SWEENY. 

Sweeny  is  really  a  fictitious  disease,  discarded  by  all  relia- 
ble practitioners.  They  claim,  and  how  justly  I  am  not 
prepared  to  say,  sweeny  .is  the  effect  of  diseases  of  the  feet, 
such  as  corns,  navicular  diseases,  ossification  of  the  lateral 
cartilage,  contraction,  etc.,  producing  atrophy  of  the  mus- 
cles of  the  shoulder,  and  their  treatment  would  be  to 
remove  the  cause,  and  the  effect  would  cease.  If  you  wish 
to  pursue  a  local  treatment  of  sweeny  or  filling  up  of  the 
shoulder,  you  can  do  it  by  the  application  of  most  any 
stimulating  treatment.  One  of  the  simplest  and  best,  which 
will  work  in  every  case,  and  which  most  horsemen  will 
regard  as  of  more  value  than  the  price  of  this  book,  is  the 
application  of  soft  soap.  Add  a  little  salt  to  soft  soap  and 
rub  on  the  part  thoroughly  four  or  five  times  in  the  course 
of  a  week.  Four  applications  will  fill  up  the  depression  of 
the  worst  case.  The  regular  treatment  would  be  seatoning 
and  blistering,  but  this  will  do  all  that  is  required  so  far  as 
local  treatment. 

In  addition,  by  all  means,  if  any  difficulty  is  discovered 
in  the  foot,  treat  it  also,  as  explained  in  another  chapter. 


168  DISEASES    AND   THEIR   TREATMENT. 

SPAVIN  AND  KINGBONE. 

There  are  two  kinds  of  bone  spavin,  namely :  Jack  and 
occult,  or  consolidated  joint.  The  first  is  located  at  the 
upper  portion  of  the  metatarsal  bone  at  its  juncture  with 
the  cuboid  bones.  The  second  is  usually  located  higher  up 
and  more  on  the  inside  of  the  astragalus  bone  at  its  junc- 
tion with  the  cuboid  bones. 

Spavins  of  either  of  the  above  classes  have  the  same  ori- 
gin and  same  causes,  namely,  inflammation  of  the  cartilage 
of  the  joint  in  the  first  instance,  and  extending  to  ulcera- 
tion  of  the  bone,  consequently  bony  matter  is  thrown  out, 
uniting  more  or  less  of  the  bone  of  the  hock  and  excess  of 
matter  and  ulceration  of  the  bones  from  the  enlargent. 

The  causes  of  spavin  are  numer- 
ous, but  principally  of  one  class,  such 
as  sprains,  hard  work,  blows,  and, 
in  fact,  any  cause  exciting  inflamma- 
tion of  this  part.  But  a  common 
cause  and  a  great  fault  lies  in  the 
breeders  of  horses,  as  very  often  the 
colt  is  bred  from  spavined  sire  or 
Showing  the^aumges  of  struc-  dam,  or  both,  and  the  colt  is  certain 
to  inherit  the  same  predisposition.  . 
The  symptoms  at  the  commencement  are  treacherous. 
Very  often  horses  are  treated  for  hip  lameness  before  any 
enlargement  makes  its  appearance.  The  horse,  at  first,  is 
very  lame  while  laboring  under  acute  inflamma- 
tion of  the  hock  joint.  He  will  not  wear  out  01 
the  lameness  as  he  does  in  the  more  advanced 
stage  of  the  disease.  The  tumor  generally 
makes  its  appearance  from  the  fifth  to  the 
eighth  week.  Sometimes,  however,  the  lame- 
ness is  very  gradual  —  scarcely  perceptible  at 
first — getting  worse  until  there  is  marked  lame- 
ness at  starting,  which  will  soon  wear  off  as  the  Bone  Spavin, 
horse  warms  up. 

The  method  of  curing  is  varied,  as  there  are  hundreds  of 
different  remedies  and  applications.  Some  men  go  so  far 
as  to  pretend  they  can  remove  spavins.  To  a  skillful  practi- 
tioner this  is  absurd.  It  will  be  seen  that  if  such  quacks  can 
remove  the  external  tumor,  they  cannot  separate  the  bones 


DISEASES    AND    THEIR   TREATMENT. 


169 


Natural  Action. 


Effect  of  bad  Spavin 
—Leg  not  brought 
Forward. 


which  are  united,  and 
horses  may  be  spavined 
without  any  visible  en- 
largement. 

I  can  simplify  all  this 
to  gentlemen  interes- 
ted, by  illustrating  with 
my  specimens,  the  lo- 
cation, nature,  changes 
of  structure,  &c.,  in 
spavin,  a  large  collec- 
tion of  which  I  carry 
for  the  purpose.  Sub- 
limates, muriatic,  sul- 
phuric, and  nitric  acids  form  the  basis  of  the  different  oint- 
ments that  are  applied  to  remove  this  formidable  disease. 
They  always  make  a  bad  sore,  and  blemish  the  animal  for 
life. 

The  only  reasonable  treatment  for  bone  spavin  is  counter 
irritation  and  rest.  If  there  is  heat  during  the  first  few 
days,  apply  cooling  applications,  such  as  an  ounce  of  sugar 
of  lead  to  half  a  pail  of  ice  water.  Keep  the  leg  wet  for 
about  two  weeks,  when  it  may  pass  off.  A  dose  of  physic 
should  be  given.  If  this  stage  has  passed,  repeated  blister- 
ing with  a  preparation  of  iodine  or  cantharides  will  be 
necessary ;  but  much  better  would  be  the  actual  cautery  in 
an  operator's  hands.  Clip  the  hair  closely  over  a  large 
surface  four  or  five  inches  above  and  below  the  enlarge- 
ment, and  then  out  to  the  middle  of  the  back  and  fore- 
parts of  the  leg.  Any  of  the  strong  blisters  recommended 
for  spavins,  for  which  formulas  are  given  below,  are  to  be 
used.  If  a  blister,  rub  it  in  well  with  the  hand  for  ten 
minutes  or  more.  In  two  days  put  on  some  grease.  When 
the  inflammation  goes  down,  wash  with  warm  water  and 
castile  soap,  and  when  dry  put  on  more  blister,  and  so  re- 
peat, keeping  up  just  as  much  irritation  as  you  can  without 
destroying  the  hair.  In  the  meantime,  the  horse  must  be 
kept  in  a  comfortable  stall,  for  one  of  the  conditions  of  cure 
is  rest.  Keep  up  the  inflammation  in  this  way  for  four  or 
five  weeks,  after  which  give  a  run  to  grass.  It  is  sometimes 
necessary  to  blister  lightly,  if  the  lameness  does  not  disap- 
pear, in  six  or  eight  weeks,  which  may  be  repeated  a  few 
8 


170  DISEASES    AND    THEIR   TREATMENT. 

times,  with  iodine  ointment  in  the  proportion  of  one  part 
of  iodine  to  four  of  lard. 

Work  should  be  light,  if  any,  within 
three  months.  This  treatment  will  usually 
cure  without  leaving  a  blemish. 

Treat  ringbones  on  the  same  principle. 
Trim  off  the  hair  and  blister  in  the  same 
manner,  observing  the  same  condition  of 
rest.  As  regards  taking  off  the  enlarge- 
ment, this  treatment  is  as  effectual  towards 
that  end  as  can  be  used. 

Several  of  the  very  best  recipes  for  the 
cure  of  spavins  and  ringbones  will  be 

Ringbone.  found   below«. 

Bear  in  mind,  you  must  always  clip  the 
hair  off  of  the  part  to  be  blistered,  and  that  the  medicine 
must  be  rubbed  in  well  with  the  hand  for  ten  minutes. 

VERY  STRONG  BLISTER  FOR  SPAVINS,  RINGBONES,  CURBS,  ETC. 

Finely  powdered  cantharides,  i  oz.;  powdered  euphor- 
bium,  2  drams;  lard  i  oz.;  tar,  2  oz. 

A  VERY  ACTIVE  BLISTER  FOR  SPAVIN,  RINGBONE,  ETC. 

Two  drams  corrosive  sublimate,  i  oz.  lard,  ^  oz.  tar,  2 
drams  cantharides.  Rub  and  mix  well  together. 

A  GOOD  BLISTER  FOR  SPAVIN,  RINGBONE,   ETC. 

Biniodide  of  mercury,  ^  dram;  cantharides,  i  dram; 
lard,  i  oz. 

A  fine  blister  for  any  purpose  requiring  counter  irritation 
and  absorption,  will  take  off  curbs,  splints,  &c. 

POWERFUL  ABSORBING  BLISTER  FOR  SPAVIN  AND  RINGBONE. 

Equal  parts  of  beniodide  of  mercury  and  cantharides, 
three  parts  of  tar  and  lard  each.  Rub  in  well  with  the 
hand  for  three  mornings,  and  use  lard  after  to  soften  and 
take  off  the  scab,  when  it  may  be  repeated  if  necessary. 

SWEATING  LINIMENT  FOR  WINDGALLS,  ETC. 

Strong  mercurial  ointment,  2  oz.;  camphor,  *4  oz.;  oil 
of  rosemary,  2  drams ;  oil  of  turpentine,  i  oz.  Mix. 


DISEASES   AND   THEIR   TREATMENT.  17 1 

VERY  STRONG  SWEATING  BLISTER,  FOR  WINDGALLS,  CURBS, 
SPLINTS,  ETC. 

Biniodide  of  mercury,  yz  to  i  dram;  powdered  arnica 
leaves,  i  dram ;  soap  liniment,  2  oz.  Mix. 

A  FINE  ABSORBENT  FOR  TAKING  DOWN  ENLARGEMENTS 
OF  ANY  KIND. 

One  ounce  beniodide  of  mercury ;  from  i  to  3  ounces  of 
lard,  according  to  the  strength  desired. 

The  following  remedy  for  the  •  cure  of  spavin  and  ring- 
bone is  regarded  as  one  of  the  best  used.  It  is  sold  in  the 
Mohawk  Valley,  (where  I  obtained  the  prescription,)  for 
$5.00  a  box,  and  FIFTY  DOLLARS  has  been  paid  for  this  re- 
ceipt. It  is,  I  think,  the  best  of  this  class  of  prescriptions 
published. 

FOR  SPAVIN  AND  RINGBONE. 

Five  ounce  euphorbium,  2  oz.  Spanish  flies  (fine),  i  oz. 
iodine,  dissolved  with  alcohol,  ^  oz.  red  precipitate,  i  oz. 
corrosive  sublimate,  ^  oz.  quicksilver,  6  oz.  hog's  lard, 
6  oz.  white  turpentine,  ^  Ib.  verdigris.  Melt  the  lard  and 
turpentine  together,  then  while  hot  add  all  together.  Mix 
well ;  when  cold  it  is  fit  for  use.  Rub  it  in  thoroughly  on 
the  spavin  every  day  for  three  days ;  then  wash  clean  with 
soap  suds ;  omit  for  three  days  and  then  repeat  for  three 
days  again,  and  so  on  until  a  perfect  cure  is  produced. 
Should  it  blister,  use  it  more  cautiously. 

This  medicine  will  get  up  as  much  inflammation  as  you 
desire,  and  must  be  applied  cautiously  or  it  will  blemish. 

The  following  remedy  for  the  cure  of  ringbone  and 
spavin,  and  taking  off  enlargements,  has  been  peddled 
through  the  country  as  a  remedy  of  the  greatest  value.  As 
high  as  one  hundred  dollars  has  been  paid  for  this  receipt. 
I  give  it  as  given  me. 

Take  alcohol,  14  oz.;  iodine,  304  grains;  bichloride  of 
mercury,  150  grains.  Let  stand  in  a  sand  bath  twenty-two 
hours,  then  add  230  drops  croton  oil;  let  it  stand  in  sand 
bath  twenty-two  hours  longer,  then  bottle  for  use. 

Next  take  quicksilver,  14  oz.;  nitric  acid,  7  oz.;  stir  one 
minute;  cantharides,  7  drams;  stir  five  minutes;  sulphuric 


172  DISEASES   AND   THEIR   TREATMENT, 

acid,  7  oz.;  stir  three  minutes;  50  drops  of  the  above  lini- 
ment. Let  stand  five  hours,  stir  every  half  hour,  then  add 
7  oz.  prepared  chalk. 

First  shave  the  hair  off  the  "bunch,"  then  apply  the 
liniment  with  a  lather  brush.  Sprinkle  a  little  of  the  pow- 
der on  paper,  and  rub  on,  after  washing  with  the  liniment. 
When  the  bunch  is  reduced  two-thirds,  wash  with  warm 
water  and  castile  soap.  In  twenty-four  hours  grease. 

This  is  one  of  the  very  strongest  remedies  used  for  spavin 
and  ringbone,  and  if  not  used  with  great  care  is  pretty  sure 
to  blemish.  I  will  here  state  that  educated  practitioners 
use  the  milder  treatment,  immediately  following  the  des- 
cription of  spavin.  Properly  done,  the  actual  cautery  or 
firing  is  undoubtedly  the  best  and  most  reliable  treatment. 
This  is  the  treatment  I  use  for  these  difficulties.  Dr.  Wm. 
Somerville  frequently  charges  $100  for  curing  spavins,  &c., 
on  valuable  horses  by  firing,  guaranteeing  not  to  blemish. 
While  the  operation  of  itself  is  simple,  it  is  one  that  requires 
rare  practical  skill,  and  is  done  successfully  only  by  a  few 
of  the  best  practitioners. 

Youatt,  one  of  the  best  of  the  old  English  authors,  says 
in  regard  to 

FIRIJ*  G. 

Whatever  seeming  cruelty  may  attend  this  operation,  it  is,  in  many 
cases,  indispensable.  The  principle  on  which  we  have  recourse  to  it 
is  similar  to  that  which  justifies  the  use  of  a  blister;  by  producing 
superficial  inflammation  we  may  be  enabled  to  remove  a  deeper-seated 
one,  or  we  may  excite  the  absorbents  to  take  away  any  unnatural  bony 
or  other  tumor:  it  has  also  this  additional  advantage,  that,  while  it 
raises  intenser  external  inflammation  than  we  can  produce  by  other 
means,  it  is  the  most  powerful  agent  that  we  have  at  our  disposal. 
Humanity,  however,  will  dictate,  that  on  account  of  inflammation  which 
it  excites,  and  the  pain  which  it  inflicts,  it  should  only  be  had  recourse 
to  when  milder  means  have  failed,  except  in  those  cases  in  which  ex- 
perience has  taught  us  that  milder  means  rarely  prove  successful. 

The  part  which  is  to  be  submitted  to  the  operation  is  shaved,  or  the 
hair  is  cut  from  it  as  closely  as  possible  with  the  trimming  scissors. 
This  is  necessary  to  bring  the  iron  into  immediate  contact  with  the 
skin,  and  likewise  to  prevent  the  smeke  that  will  arise  from  the  burned 
hair  from  obscuring  the  view  of  the  operator. 

The  details  of  the  operation  belong  to  the  veterinary  surgeon.  The 
grand  points  to  be  attended  to  are  to  have  the  edge  of  the  iron  round 
and  smooth;  the  iron  itself  at,  or  rather  below  red  head;  to  pass  it 
more  or  less  rapidly  over  the  skin,  and  with  slighter  or  greater  pressure, 


•  DISEASES    AND    THEIR   TREATMENT.  173 

according  to  the  degree  of  heat ;  to  burn  into  the  skin  until  the  line 
produced  by  the  iron  is  of  a  brown  colour,  rather  light  than  dark,  and 
•by  all  means  avoid  penetrating  the  skin.  Leaving  the  additional 
cruelty  of  deep  firing  out  of  the  question,  we  may  depend  on  it  that,  if 
the  skin  is  burned  through,  inflammation,  and  ulceration,  and  sloughing 
will  ensue,  which  will  be  with  much  difficulty  combated;  which  will 
unavoidably  leave  unnecessary  blemish,  and  which  have  destroyed 
many  valuable  horses.  It  may  happen,  nevertheless,  that  by  a  sudden 
plunge  of  the  animal,  the  skin  will  be  unavoidably  cut  through.  The 
act  of  firing  requires  much  skill  and  tact,  and  the  practitioner  cannot  be 
always  on  his  guard  against  the'  struggles  of  the  tortured  beast.  It  will, 
also,  and  not  unfrequently  occur,  that  the  skin,  partially  divided,  will 
separate  in  two  or  three  days  after  the  operation.  This  must  not  be 
attributed  to  any  neglect  or  unskillfulness  of  the  surgeon,  and  the  ulce- 
ration thus  produced  will  be  slight,  and  easily  treated,  compared  with 
that  caused  by  the  actual  burning  through  of  the  skin. 

Some  practitioners  blister  immediately  after  firing.  As  a  general 
usage,  it  is  highly  to  be  reprobated.  It  is  wanton  and  useless  cruelty; 
but  it  may  be  required  in  bony  tumors  of  considerable  extent,  and 
long  standing,  and  interfering  materially  with  the  action  of  the  neigh- 
boring joint.  Spavin,  accompanied  by  much  lameness,  and  ring-bone 
spreading  round  the  coronet,  and  involving  the  side  cartilages,  or  the 
pastern-joint,  may  justify  it.  The  inflammation  is  rendered  more  in- 
tense, and  of  considerably  longer  duration.  In  old  affections  of  the 
round  bone  it  may  be  admitted,  but  no  excuse  can  be  made  for  it  in 
slighter  cases  of  sprain,  or  weakness,  or  staleness. 

On  the  day  after  the  operation,  it  will  be  prudent  gently  to  rub  some 
neat's-foot  oil  or  lard  over  the  lines.  This  will  soften  the  skin,  and 
render  it  less  likely  to  separate  or  ulcerate ;  a  bandage  would  add  to 
the  irritation  of  the  part.  Any  cracks  of  the  skin,  or  ulceration  that 
may  ensue,  must  be  treated  with  the  calamine  ointment  already  recom- 
mended. 

It  will  be  evident  that  there  is  an  advantage  derived  from  firing  to 
which  a  blister  can  have  no  pretension.  The  skin,  partially  destroyed 
by  the  iron,  is  reinstated  and  healed,  not  merely  by  the  formation  of 
some  new  matter  filling  up  the  vacuity,  but  by  the  gradual  drawing  to- 
gether and  closing  of  the  separated  edges.  The  skin,  therefore  is 
lessened  in  surface ;  it  is  tightened  over  the  part,  and  it  acts  as  a  salutary 
and  permanent  bandage.  Of  the  effect  of  pressure  in  removing  enlarge- 
ments of  every  kind,  as  well  as  giving  strength  to  the  part  to  which  it 
is  applied,  we  have  repeatedly  spoken;  and  it  is  far  from  being  the 
least  valuable  effect  of  the  operation  of  firing,  that  by  contracting  the 
skin,  it  affords  a  salutary,  equable,  and  permanent  pressure.  It  was  on 
this  principle,  but  the  practice  cannot  be  defended,  that  colts  which 
were  not  very  strong  on  the  legs,  used  to  be  fired  round  the  fetlock,  and 
along  the  back  sinews,  or  over  the  hock,  to  brace  and  strengthen  the 
parts.  It  is  on  the  same  principle  that  a  racer  or  a  hunter,  that  has  be- 
come stale  and  stiff,  is  sometimes  fired  and  turned  out.  For  whatever 
reason  the  horse  is  fired,  he  should,  if  practicable,  be  turned  out,  or 
soiled  in  a  loose  box,  for  three  or  four  months  at  least.  The  full  effect 


174 


DISEASES   AND    THEIR   TREATMENT. 


intended  to  result  from  the  external  irritation  is  not  soon  produced, 
and  the  benefit  derived  from  pressure  proceeds  still  more  slowly.  In 
the  thickened  and  tender  state  of  the  skin,  and  the  substance  beneath,' 
for  some  weeks  after  firing,  a  return  to  hard  work  would  be  likely  to 
excite  a  new  inflammation,  and  cause  even  worse  mischief  than  that 
which  before  existed. 

Some  weeks  pass  before  the  tumefied  parts  begin  to  lessen,  and  they 
only  who  have  had  experience  in  these  cases  would  imagine  how  long, 
with  gentle  voluntary  exercise,  the  process  of  absorption  is  carried  on. 
He,  therefore,  who  whould  expect  that  much  good  should  accrue  from 
the  operation  of  firing,  must  be  content  to  give  up  his  horse  for  three  or 
four  months;  but  if  he  will  use  him  sooner,  and  a  worse  lameness 
should  follow,  let  him  blame  his  own  impatience,  and  not  the  inefficiency 
of  the  means,  or  want  of  skill  in  the  surgeon. 

The  firing  in  every  case  should  be  either  in  longitudinal  or  parallel 
lines.  On  the  back  sinews,  the  fetlock,  and  the  coronet,  this  is 
peculiarly  requisite,  for  thus  only  will  the  skin  contract  so  as  to  form 
the  greatest  and  most  equable  pressure. 

The  operation  of  firing  is  one  that  I  am  thoroughly  practiced  in, 
competent  to  perform  in  the  most  successful  manner. 

BLOOD   SPAVIN,  THOROUGH   PIN, 

Soft  enlargements  upon  the  hock.  If  not  of  long  standing, 
the  following  will  be  found  very 
effective,  though  simple  :  Rub 
on  soft  soap,  to  which  has  been 
added  a  little  salt,  at  night,  and 
wash  off  in  the  morning.  Two 
or  three  applications  will  cure, 
if  recently  caused.  If  of  long 
duration,  blister  two  or  three 
times,  as  for  bone  spavin. 

Thorough  Pin. 


SPLINTS. 

This  is  an  enlargement  between 
the  cannon  and  splint  bones,  show- 
ing itself  on  the  inside  of  the  fore 
leg.  The  same  treatment  as  for 
spavin. 


Changes  that  may       Splint, 
be  Produced. 


DISEASES   AND    THEIR    TREATMENT. 
CURB. 


175 


Clean  Hock. 


Curb. 


Curb. 


This  is  an  enlargement  of  the  integument,  and  in  some 
cases  of  bony  deposit,  usually  caused  by  a  strain.  It  is 
situated  on  the  back  part  of  the  hock,  just  below  the  cap. 
Blister  with  remedy  for  spavin. 

SPRAIN   OF  THE    BACK   SINEWS. 

The  animal  becomes  suddenly  lame,  and  by  use  grows 
worse.  Pass  the  fingers  down 
on  each  of  the  tendons  back 
of  the  knee.  A  little  enlarge- 
ment, if  there,  with  considera- 
ble inflammation,  will  be  dis- 
covered. Use  cooling  astringent 
liniment  until  the  acute  stage 
passes  off.  If  not  better  then, 
blister,  observing  to  give  the 
animal  rest.  Firing  is  the  most 

reliable  treatment.  Enlargement  =dby  Sprain  of  the 


COFFIN  JOINT   LAMENESS 

Is  often  mistaken  by  those  who  .are  not  capable  of  locating 
the  diseases  of  horses'  feet  to  be  lameness  of  the  shoulder, 
from  the  fact  that  generally  after  the  shoe  is  removed,  and 
no  external  injury  is  discovered  in  the  foot,  some  distant 
part  is  selected  as  the  location  of  the  disease.  Navicular 
disease  is  dangerous  and  treacherous  in  its  progress  and 
development.  It  is  commonly  caused  by  violent  sprains  of 
the  navicular  joint,  although  sometimes,  and,  in  fact,  very 
often,  may  be  induced  by  a  contusion  of  the  frog;  and 


176  DISEASES    AND   THEIR   TREATMENT. 

again,  there  is  a  disposition  to  have  this  disease  from  heredi- 
tary causes. 

The  coffin  joint  is  composed  of  three  bones :  the  os 
pedis,  the  navicular  and  small  pastern  bones.  The  navicu- 
lar  bones  answer  the  purpose  of  a  sup- 
port in  allowing  great  elasticity  of  mo- 
tion. The  flexor  tendon  inserts  itself 
into  the  os  pedis,  and  passes  immediate- 
ly over  the  navicular  bone,  so  that  at 
each  step  the  navicular  bone  is  thrown 
upon  one  part  of  the  os  pedis  and  small 
pastern  at  the  same  time.  It  will  be 
seen  that  in  all  cases  of  lameness  of  this 
joint,  as  well  as  in  any  other  joint  lame- 
ness, that  the  cartilage  of  the  bones  is 
inflamed,  and  as  the  disease  progresses 
Section  of  the  Parts  En-  ulceration  takes  place,  and  consequently 
tering  into  the  Compo-  ancholosis.  It  is  almost  striving  against 

sition  of  the  Foot,  and    ,  ,         ,,  ,    . 

the  Fetlock  and  Pas-  hope  to  be  able  to  explain  to  the  gener- 
tem  joints.  aj  reac[er  the  symptoms  to  enable  ability 

a  Os  suffrages.    6  Os    tO  locate  the  diseaSC  with  an7  de£ree  °{ 

coronse.  c  Os  pedis.  d  certainty.'  Corns  or  bruises  of  the  sole, 
perfOTanrSperforJtus  contraction,  or  almost  any  cause  exciting 
tendons,  g  inferior  sesa-  inflammation  in  the  foot,  may  cause  simi- 

moideal     ligament.      «,,  ,  _j«  i_ 

Cleft  of  frog,  i  Side  of  lar  lameness,  and  to  an  ordinary  observer 

Cr0ugSt.Clfco/onartSu^    there    CannOt     be     that     fine     judgment 

stance.  necessary  to  trace   from   certain   pecu- 

liarities the  location  of  the  trouble. 

Horses  having  navicular  disease  invariably  travel  more  on 
the  toe  than  on  the  heel,  consequently  the  shoe  is  always 
worn  more  at  the  toe  than  at  the  heel.  The  hoof,  rarely  or 
never  is  malformed,  but  the  disease  commonly  occurs  in 
healthy  looking  feet,  contraction  of  one  or  both  heels,  which 
will  in  many  cases  interfere  with  the  outer  cartilage  of  the 
joint.  In  the  cases  of  long  standing  the  frog  appears  to 
recede,  and  does  not  have  a  natural  appearance.  If  the 
horse  is  taken  suddenly  lame,  sometimes  scarcely  putting 
the  foot  down,  and  only  presses  upon  the  toe,  feel  of  the 
foot  carefully.  If  there  is  heat  around  the  top  of  the  hoof 
and  tenderness — even  a  little  at  the  heel — there  is  probably 
strain  of  the  coffin  joint.  In  incipent  cases  (first  stages) 
there  is  fever  and  tenderness  to  motion  of  the  joint,  which 


DISEASES   AND    THEIR   TREATMENT.  177 

is  noticeable  by  catching  the  foot  in  one  hand,  the  ankle  in 
the  other,  and  twisting  a  little.  The  animal  will  show  pain 
and  resist. 

As  to  treatment,  in  the  first  stage,  the  shoe  should  be  re- 
moved, and  have  the  toe  of  the  shoe  hammered  down. 
The  heels  should  be  raised,  and  applied  again  so  as  to 
remove  all  pressure  from  the  frog,  and  a  cloth  or  rug  satur- 
ated with  cold  water  applied  to  the  coronet.  The  bottom 
of  the  foot  should  be  stuffed  with  oil  meal  or  some  adhesive 
substance.  If  this  is  done  for  a  few  days,  with  rest,  the 
first  attack  will  generally  pass  off. 

In  the  more  advanced  stage  of  this  di  ease  it  will  require 
thorough  treatment.  The  shoe  should  be  formed  and  ap- 
plied as  before,  and  a  severe  blistering  applied  to  the 
coronet,  which  should  be  continued  for  from  one  to  three 
weeks,  with  rest.  At  a  still  more  advanced  stage  the  frog 
seaton  may  be  used,  but  this  must  be  done  by  an  ex- 
perienced practitioner. 

In  all  cases  of  this  disease  the  animal  will  require  con- 
siderable rest. 

I  would  here  remark  that  in  an  advanced  stage  of  the 
disease  the  horse  is  a  little  lame,  sometimes  worse,  at  others 
better ;  rough  road  and  down  hill  worse ;  is  no  worse  to  be 
at  work ;  usually  no  apparant  change  in  the  hoof;  will  go 
better  when  the  heels  are  raised  by  using  high-heeled  shoes ; 
worse  by  bringing  heels  to  the  ground. 

LAMENESS. 

In  treating  lameness  successfully,  it  is  necessary  to  be 
able  to  understand  the  peculiarities  of  joint  from  muscular 
lameness, — in  fact,  of  the  action  and  movement  incidental 
to  each. 

The  horse  is,  for  example,  lame  in  the  fore  foot,  and  with- 
out knowing  just  what  the  trouble  is,  something  must  be 
done,  and  the  shoulder  is  furiously  attacked,  being  blistered, 
seatoned  or  subjected  to  some  needless  form  of  cruelty 
which  can  have  no  effect  whatever  on  the  injured  part. 

In  the  first  place,  if  the  shoulder  is  strained  or  injured, 

the  horse  cannot  raise  or  put  the  foot  forward  naturally. 

He  will  drag  it  like,  giving  it  a  sort  of  swinging  motion, 

and  does  not  bring  it  very  far  forward.    On  the  other  hand, 

8* 


178  DISEASES   AND   THEIR  TREATMENT. 

if  the  injury  is  in  the  foot,  the  foot  is  raised  up  and  put 
forward  easily  and  naturally,  but  is  put  down  tenderly. 

Again,  a  case  of  muscular  lameness,  such  as  shoulder 
lameness,  straining  of  the  back  sinews,  (suspensatory  liga- 
ments,) the  lameness  will  get  worse  by  use.  That  of  the 
foot,  such  as  corns,  coffin  joint  lameness,  pricking  with  a 
nail,  etc.,  remain  about  the  same;  besides,  if  there  is  much 
soreness  in  the  foot,  from  contraction,  corns,  pricking, 
strain  of  the  coffin  joint,  the  foot  will  be  put  forward  or 
rested  upon  the  toe.  This  will  always  be  the  case  if  there 
is  much  soreness  of  the  heels,  as  resting  upon  the  toe  re- 
lieves the  pressure  and  pain.  Hence  it  is  a  marked 
symptom  of  coffin  joint  injury,  of  corns  and  thickening  of 
the  lateral  cartilages. 

Again,  if  there  is  much  inflammation,  increased  heat  can 
be  felt  in  the  foot. 

FIRST,    SHOULDER   LAMENESS. 

Symptoms. — The  animal  drags  the  leg,  with  the  toe  on 
ground,  and  cannot  raise  the  foot. 

Treatment. — Local  bleeding  from  the  plate  vein  on  the 
inside  of  the  leg  is  very  effectual,  with  a  purging  ball.  Fo- 
menting the  shoulder  with  hot  water  will  be  found  useful. 
If,  in  a  few  days,  fomentations  do  not  succeed,  and  the  case 
seems  obstinate,  rub  on  thoroughly  soft  soap  and  salt,  which 
will  be  found  a  fine  stimulant,  and  is  easily  obtained.  If 
any  eruption^ should  arise  from  the  application  of  this  dress- 
ing, apply  a  little  sweet  oil  or  lard,  which  will  remove  the 
scab  in  a  few  days. 

PRICKING. 

If  the  horse  becomes  lame  after  being  shod,  examine  the 
foot  carefully.  If  pricked  by  driving  any  of  the  nails  too 
near  the  quick,  there  will  be  heat  and  tenderness  in  the 
hoof  easily  discovered.  Tap  the  nails  around  carefully; 
when  the  part  injured  is  struck  there  will  be  prompt  resist- 
ance shown.  Have  the  shoe  taken  off,  and  cut  down  to 
where  the  nail  strikes  the  quick,  enough  to  make  room  for 
any  matter  that  may  have  formed  to  escape ;  then  poultice 
with  flax  seed  meal  until  the  inflammation  is  reduced,  when 
a  little  tar,  resin,  or  tallow,  or  something  of  this  kind, 


DISEASES   AND    THEIR   TREATMENT.  179 

should  be  put  on,  and  the  opening  filled  up  with  a  little  tow 
to  prevent  gravel  or  dirt  from  getting  in,  and  put  the  shoe 
on  again. 

CORNS. 

Described  in  the  article  on  Shoeing.  The  most  difficult 
corns  to  treat  are  those  in  weak,  broad  heels.  If  in  a  high, 
strong  heel,  and  contracted,  all  that  is  necessary  to  do  is  to 
trim  out  the  corn,  dress  it  with  a  little  mild  caustic  to  pro- 
duce a  healthy  action,  fitting  the  shoe  so  as  to  preclude  all 
pressure  upon  the  part,  and  the  horse  will  go  off  all  right. 
There  is  not  horn  enough  to  protect  the  heel  from  pressure 
when  the  heel  is  wide  and  weak,  we  must  now  accomplish 
two  ends :  remove  pressure  from  the  sole,  and  at  the  same 
time  make  the  heels  strong  by  growing  strong,  healthy  horn. 
Put  on  a  nicely  fitting  bar  shoe,  which  will  protect  the  heel 
by  bringing  pressure  upon  the  frog. 

The  usual  and  scientific  treatment  is  to  apply  a  strong 
cantharides  blister  right  over  the  seat  of  the  corn,  on  the 
coronet.  Stimulants  of  any  kind  will  increase  the  action, 
Many  remedies  are  used  for  this  purpose  with  varied  effects, 
but  regular  blistering  really  stands  at  the  head  of  all.  There 
is  great  danger  of  separation  from  the  continued  pressure 
of  the  shoe  upon  the  affected  part.  The  blacksmith  may 
tell  you  it  is  a  gravel,  to  shield  himself  from  his  inability 
to  fit  a  shoe  that  will  relieve  pressure.  In  such  a  case  it 
will  be  necessary  to  let  the  animal  lie  still  and  dress  the 
part  with  an  astringent,  such  as  alum  and  water,  sugar  of 
lead  and  water.  After  the  feet  seem  healthy,  put  on  a  bar 
shoe  as  before  stated,  and  put  the  animal  to  work. 

The  following  remedy  seems  to  have  a  splendid  effect  in 
removing  soreness  and  growing  the  feet.  I  know  of  its 
being  sold  for  ten  dollars.  It  is  the  best  thing  for  the  cure 
of  weak,  sore  feet  I  ever  saw.  It  softens  the  hoof  and 
grows  horn  rapidly,  as  well  as  removes  soreness. 

HOOF    LINIMENT   FOB  CONTRACTED  OR  SORE  FEET. 

Venice  turpentine,  ^  pint;  aqua  ammonia,  2  oz.;  salts 
of  niter,  i  oz.;  benzine,  i  oz.;  alcohol,  3  oz.  Apply  to  the 
edge  of  the  hair  and  all  over  the  hoof  once  a  day  for  a  week; 
after  that,  for  a  week  or  two,  three  or  four  times  a  week,  as 
may  be  necessary. 


180  DISEASES    AND    THEIR   TREATMENT. 

The  effect  of  this  preparation  on  sore,  weak  feet,  and 
upon  contracted  feet,  in  many  cases,  is  wonderful,  and  is 
undoubtedly  the  best  preparation  for  the  feet  yet  published. 
It  is  well,  however,  to  bear  in  mind  that  the  primary  con- 
dition of  curing  contraction  is  the  use  of  mechanical  means 
of  expansion  as  given  under  that  head. 

STEPPING  ON  NAILS,  GLASS,  OB  ANYTHING  THAT 
PUNCTURES  THE   SOLE   OB  FROG. 

The  first  thing  to  be  attended  to  is  to  remove  the  nail, 
glass,  or  whatever  it  is,  from  the  foot,  carefully.  See  that 
no  part  remains,  and  remove  a  little  of  the  hoof  from 
around  the  opening.  Drop  a  few  drops  of  Friar's  balsam 
into  the  orifice,  and  cover  the  part  with  a  flax  seed  poultice. 
Friar's  balsam  can  be  obtained  in  almost  any  drug  store. 
If  this  is  not  obtainable  use  the  simple  digestive  ointment, 
given  in  another  chapter. 

HIP  LAMENESS 

Is  a  formidable  disease.  Its  principal  seat  is  in  the  whirl- 
bone  joint,  and  is  usually  caused  by  sprains  'or  falls.  The 
animal  from  this  form  of  lameness  will  stand  on  the  affected 
limb,  and  will  not  show  lameness.  The  muscles  are  not 
called  into  action  in  elevating  the  limb.  Then  there  is  a 
dragging  or  swaying  motion  of  the  limb  outwards.  By  plac- 
ing the  hand  on  the  hip  joint,  an  extra  degree  of  heat  will 
be  found  to  invest  this  part. 

Treatment. — First,  absolute  rest ;  next,  same  treatment 
and  remedies  as  given  for  shoulder  lameness.  Treatment 
should  be  repeated  until  recovered,  which  requires  from  one 
to  two  weeks. 

RETENTION  OF  URINE, 

The  most  common  cause  is  keeping  the  animal  at  work, 
not  giving  time  to  urinate,  and  a  spasm  of  the  neck  of  the 
bladder  or  gravelly  concretions;  any  cause  of  irritation 
may  cause  spasm.  Symptoms  are  the  same  as  in  inflamma- 
tion of  the  kidneys,  except  standing  very  wide  behind,  and 
when  walking,  a  straddling  gait  resembling  a  cow  with  a 
very  full  bag. 


DISEASES    AND    THEIR   TREATMENT.  181 

The  most  prompt  treatment  is  to  use  the  catheter,  and 
scarcely  anything  more  is  necessary.  But  if  one  is  not  ob- 
tainable, bleed  freely  and  give  a  strong  opiate.  3  oz.  tinct. 
opium,  in  half  pint  of  water. 

SCOTJBS,  OB  PUBQING. 

This  disease  is  generally  produced  by  two  causes :  change 
of  food  or  water,  or  unhealthy  food,  and  sometimes  through 
nervous  excitement. 

Cure. — Neutralize  the  acids  in  the  bowels  by  giving  an 
ounce  and  a  half  of  prepared  chalk  and  a  dram  and  a  half 
of  powdered  catechu,  mixed  in  a  pint  of  water.  Give  once 
or  twice  a  day  until  purging  ceases.  Keep  the  animal  with- 
out exercise,  and  do  not  give  much  water  to  drink. 

If  this  disease  should  arise  from  nervous  excitement,  give 
a  dram  of  powdered  opium  in  the  food  once  a  day  for  three 
or  four  days. 

PBOFUSE  STALING. 

The  causes  of  this  disease  are,  the  improper  use  of  diu- 
retic medicines,  as  saltpeter,  resin,  &c.  Unwholesome  food 
will  sometimes  produce  it. 

Treatment. — Give  one  of  the  following  balls  every  night: 
Powdered  opium,  ^  oz. ;  powdered  kino,  i  oz. ;  prepared 
chalk,  i  oz.  Mix  with  molasses,  and  make  six  balls. 

Or  give  the  following  powder  once  a  day  mixed  in  the 
food :  gentian  powdered,  sulphate  iron,  a  dram  and  a  half 
of  each. 

BLOODY  UBINE 

Is  generally  the  result  of  injuries  of  the  loins,  unwholesome 
food,  violent  exercise,  &c. 

Treatment. — Give  plenty  linseed  tea  to  drink;  if  the  ani- 
mal refuses  it,  drench  him.  Give  internally,  once  a  day, 
one  of  the  following  pills:  sugar  of  lead,  i  oz.;  linseed 
meal,  2  oz.  Mix  with  molasses  and  divide  into  eight  parts. 

SPASMODIC  ACTION   OF  THE  DIAPHBAGM, 

Commonly  called  thumps,  is  caused  by  severe  and  long 
continued  driving  and  hard  work.     Horses  of  a  nervous 


182 


DISEASES    AND    THEIR   TREATMENT. 


temperament  having  too  much  cold  water  given  to  drink  on 
a  cold  morning,  nervous  irritation,  severe  work  or  excite- 
ment from  any  cause,  may  excite  this  trouble. 

Symptoms. — A  sudden  jerking  or  twitching  of  the  muscles 
of  the  sides  and  flanks ;  pulse  wiry,  quick  and  low,  more  or 
less  fever;  extremities  natural. 

Cure. — This  disease  being  of  a  purely  spasmodic  charac- 
ter, but  in  this  case  wholly  of  a  nervous  nature,  bleeding 
must  be  omitted,  and  must  be  treated  wholly  by  giving 
spasmodic  remedies.  Give  assafcetida,  in  a  dose  of  from 
i  to  3  ounces  of  the  tincture,  mixed  in  a  half  pint  of  wa- 
ter. Given  as  a  drench  will  stop  it  almost  instantly. 

If  necessary,  the  medicine  may  be  repeated  in  two  hours. 
Keep  the  horse  well  clothed,  and  keep  all  exciting  causes 
away  from  him.  The  bowels  should  be  kept  loose  and  regu- 
lar, by  giving  bran  mashes  and  moderate  exercise. 


WORMS. 

The  symptoms  of  worms  are  debility,   feebleness,  slug- 
gish  movements,    emaciation,   staring  coat,    hide    bound, 
skin  covered  with  blotches,  irregular  and  capricious  appe- 
tite, tucked  up  belly,  pallid  ap- 
pearance  of    the    lining   mem- 
brane of  the  lip,  badly  digested 
faeces,  rubs  the  tail,  and  where 
fundament  worms  exist  a  whi- 
tish   substance    will    be   found 
about  the  fundament. 

Give  of  calomel,  3  drams; 
tartar  emetic,  i  dram.  Mix  and 
divide  into  three  powders;  one  to  be  given  at  night  for 
three  successive  nights.  To  be  followed,  in  twenty-four 
hours,  with  a  good  purging  ball. 


Symptoms  of  Worms. 


Tsenia,  or  Tape  Worm. 


Different  Kinds  of  Worms. 


DISEASES   AND   THEIR   TREATMENT.  183 

INFLAMMATION  OF  THE  EYES. 

Symptoms. — A  watery  discharge  from  the  eye,  eyelids 
partly  closed,  membrane  of  lid  on  under  side  much  red- 
dened. 

In  ordinary -cases  all  that  is  necessary  to  do  is  to  keep 
the  horse  quiet  and  bathe  the  eye  with  cold  water.  Either 
of  the  following  will  be  found  good  : 

Laudanum,  i  oz.;  rain  water,  i  pint.  Mix.  Or,  acetate 
of  lead,  i  dram;  sulphate  of  zinc,  ^  dram;  rain  water,  3 
pints.  Mix  for  use. 

Either  of  the  above  may  be  applied  with  a  soft  sponge 
two  or  three  times  a  day. 

Give  on  the  tongue,  three  or  four  times  a  day,  three  or 
four  drops  of  belladonna. 

More  thorough  treatment  would  be  a  seaton  below  the 
eye,  which  of  itself,  will  soon,  in  most  cases,  effect  a  cure. 

The  following  is  perhaps  one  of  the  very  best  eye  washes 
used.  It  is  a  favorite  remedy  of  great  value.  I  insert  it  as 
given  me. 

EYE  "WASH. 

Take  three  hen's  eggs  and  break  them  into  a  quart  of 
clear  cold  rain  water;  stir  until  a  thorough  mixture  is  ef- 
fected ;  boil  over  a  slow  fire,  stirring  every  few  minutes ; 
add  half  an  ounce  of  sulphate  of  zinc,  (white  vitriol;)  con- 
tinue the  boiling  a  short  time,  and  the  compound  is  ready 
for  use.  In  this  preparation  a  solid  substance,  or  curd,  is 
precipitated  or  thrown  down,  and  a  liquid  solution  rests 
upon  the  top.  This  is  the  best  wash  for  sore  eyes  of  either 
man  or  beast  that  was  ever  made.  The  curd  applied  toj;he 
inflamed  eye  at  night  will  draw  the  fever  and  soreness 
nearly  all  out  by  morning.  After  two  or  three  days  the 
water  should  be  strained  from  the  curd,  and  put  into  a 
bottle  for  future  use.  ,  This  eye  wash  is  invaluable.  When 
applied  to  the  human  eye  it  should  be  diluted. 

A  gentleman  who  had  a  copy  of  my  old  edition,  having 
this  remedy  in  it,  informed  me  that  he  was  offered  $10  for 
the  book  on  account  of  the  value  of  this  receipt,  having 
used  it  in  his  neighborhood  with  great  success,  and  that  he 
would  not  sell  it  at  any-  price. 


184  DISEASES   AND    THEIR  TREATMENT. 


CUTS  OR  WOUNDS— REMEDIES  FOR. 

If  the  cut  or  wound  is  very  bad,  trim  the  hair  off  close 
around  the  edges,  and  wash  out  carefully  with  warm  water 
and  castile  soap.  The  object  next  is  to  produce  a  granulating 
process.  There  is  hardly  any  use  in  sewing  up  cuts,  as  the 
stitches  will  sluff  out.  In  treating  deep  wounds,  or  cuts  or 
ulcers  of  any  kind,  bear  in  mind  that  the  matter  must  be 
sponged  or  syringed  out  daily  with  castile  soap  and  warm 
water,  or  what  is  termed  a  dependent  opening  must  be  made 
for  the  matter  to  run  off.  Matter  alway  burrows  or  pockets. 
The  principle  is  the  same  in  all  cases, — using  caustic  to  cut 
out  fungous  or  other  diseased  growths;  using  for  indolent 
ulcers  proportionately  more  stimulating  preparations  than 
for  those  in  a  fresh,  healthy  condition. 

THE  FOLLOWING  DIGESTIVE   OINTMENT 

is  unrivaled  for  the  cure  of  cuts  or  fresh  wounds  on  horse- 
flesh, and  is  alone  worth  more  than  the  price  of  this  book 
to  any  horseman. 

For  a  healing  ointment  the  following  is  unrivaled:  2^ 
Ibs.  palm  oil,  2  Ibs.  lard,  ^  Ib.  gum  turpentine,  j£  Ib. 
beeswax,  i  Ib.  calamine.  Simmer  all  together  over  a  slow 
fire,  and  it  will  be  fit  for  use.  Put  a  little  in  the  wound 
once  a  day.  Wash  the  wound  with  warm  water  and  castile 
soap  before  applying  the  ointment. 

A  GOOD  SIMPLE  HEALING  PKEPARATION. 

Blue  vitriol,  in  the  proportion  of  two  drams  to  a  pint  of 
water  is  an  excellent  application  for  wounds.  If  a  caustic 
effect  is  desired,  increase  the  quantity  to  an  ounce  or  more, 
and  it  will  be  found  a  fine  preparation  to  rouse  old  ulcers 
to  a  healthy  action.  Good  for  poll  evil  or  other  ulcers. 

A  fine  healing  lotion  is :  Tincture  myrrh,  i  oz. ;  tincture 
aloes,  2  oz. ;  water,  y2  pint.  Mix,  and  apply  once  a  day. 


DISEASES    AND    THEIR   TREATMENT.  185 


HEALING  OINTMENT  FOB  CUTS,  GALLS,  ETC.    GOOD. 

Oxide  of  zinc,  pulverized  fine,  4  drams ;  carbolic  acid,  6 
grains;  lard,  i  ounce.  Melt  the  lard  and  stir  in  the  zinc. 
Add  the  carbolic  acid  and  mix  thoroughly.  Apply  once  or 
twice  a  day  to  the  cut  or  injury.  Will  cause  a  healthy  dis- 
charge from  a  foul  ulcer. 

XIN1MENT  FOR  OPEN  WOUNDS.     A  FINE 
PREPARATION. 

Take  sulphate  of  copper  (copperas),  i  oz.;  white  vitriol, 
2  oz.;  muriate  of  soda  (salt),  2  oz.;  oil  linseed,  2  oz.; 
Orleans  molasses,  8  oz.  Boil  over  a  slow  fire  fifteen  minutes, 
in  a  pint  of  urine,  all  of  the  above  ingredients.  When 
nearly  cold  add  i  oz.  of  oil  of  vitriol  and  4  oz.  spirits  of 
turpentine,  and  bottle  for  use.  Apply  to  the  wound  with  a 
quill,  which  will  soon  set  the  wound  to  discharging,  and 
perform  a  cure  in  a  few  days.  Be  careful  to  keep  the  wound 
covered  either  with  a  bandage  or  a  plaster.  Should  be 
applied  once  or  twice  a  day  until  it  discharges  freely. 


WASH  FOR  FRESH  WOUNDS.     A  FAVORITE 
REMEDY  OF  GREAT  VALUE. 

One  teaspoonful  white  vitriol,  i  teaspoonful  copperas,  2 
teaspoonfuls  fine  gunpowder;  add  to  i  quart  of  boiling 
water,  and  let  it  stand  until  cool.  If  the  wound  is  deep, 
apply  with  a  syringe.  One  of  the  best  of  remedies  for  the 
purpose  recommended. 

LINIMENT  FOR  FOUL  ULCERS.     GOOD. 

Sulphate  of  copper,  i  oz.;  nitric  acid,  ^  oz.;  water,  8 
to  12  oz. 

COOLING  LINIMENT  FOR  EXTERNAL  INFLAM- 
MATION.    GOOD. 

Goulard  extract,  i  oz.;  vinegar,  2  oz.;  spirits  of  wine,  3 
oz.;  water,  i^  pints.  Apply  with  a  bandage. 


186  DISEASES   AND    THEIR  TREATMENT. 

FOB  INFLAMED  LEG,  GALLED  SHOULDERS  OB  BACK. 
A  BEALLY  GOOD  THING. 

Sal  ammoniac,  i  oz.;  vinegar,  4  oz.;  spirits  of  wine,  2 
oz.;  tincture  arnica,  2  drams;  water,  y2  pint.  Mix,  and 
bathe  with  it  often  and  thoroughly. 

BUTTEB  OF  ANTIMONY. 

For  corns,  canker,  indisposition  of  the  sole  to  secrete 
healthy  horn,  wounds  in  the  foot  not  attended  by  healthy 
action,  and  for  every  case  where  the  superficial  application 
of  a  caustic  is  needed,  the  chloride  of  antimony  (butter  of 
antimony)  is  one  of  the  very  best. 

STICKING-PLASTEB,  FOB  CUTS  OB  WOUNDS. 

Burgundy  pitch,  4  oz.;  tallow,  2  oz.  Melt  the  articles 
together,  and  spread  on  linen  or  cloth  while  hot.  Cut  in 
strips  of  proper  length  and  width,  and  draw  the  wound 
together;  warm  the  strips  and  apply  them.  Clip  the  hair 
short  where  the  plaster  is  to  be  applied. 

WASH  FOB  BEDUCING  AN  INFLAMED   WOUND. 

One  oz.  sulphate  of  zinc,  i  oz.  crotus  martes,  ^  oz.  sugar 
of  lead,  i  pint  water.  A  sore  will  not  smell  bad  when  this 
wash  is  used. 


SPRAINS  AND  BRUISES. 

It  must  be  borne  in  mind,  the  first  object  in  treating 
acute  inflammation  caused  by  injury  of  any  kind  is  to  lower 
the  inflammation.  Cold  water,  or  one  ounce  of  sugar  of 
lead  to  a  pint  of  water,  would  be  better,  and  is  a  remedy  of 
great  value,  to  be  used  repeatedly  until  relief  is  afforded. 

The  following  is  excellent :  Saltpeter,  4  oz.;  sugar  of  lead, 
i  oz.;  muriate  of  ammonia,  i  oz.;  common  salt,  i  pint; 
cold  water,  2  galls.  Mix  and  bathe  the  parts  affected;  or 
keeo  constantly  wet  with  the  following,  which  is  good: 


DISEASES   AND   THEIR  TREATMENT.  187 

Tincture  arnica,  2  oz.;  cold  water,  i  quart.     This  will  pre- 
vent inflammation  or  swelling  following  a  bruise  or  sprain. 


ANODYNE  STIMULATING  LINIMENT. 

Spirits  of  hartshorn,  i^  oz.;  sulphuric  ether,  i^  oz.; 
spirits  of  turpentine,  ^  oz.;  sweet  oil,  ^  oz.;  oil  of  cloves, 
i^  oz.,  chloroform,  i  oz.  Put  into  a  strong  8  ounce  bottle 
and  cork  tightly ;  keep  in  a  dark  place,  or  wrap  with  paper. 
This  liniment  relieves  pain,  and  is  good  for  lameness,  etc., 
and  for  all  cases  of  strains  and  soreness.  To  be  well 
rubbed  in. 

Oil  of  turpentine,  i  oz.;  tine,  opium,  i  oz.;  soap  liniment, 

1  oz.;  tine,  capsicum,  y2  oz.     Stimulating  liniment;  good 
for  rheumatism,  sprains,  etc. 

MAGIC   LINIMENT. 

Used  very  generally ;  good  not  only  for  sprains,  bruises, 
etc.,  after  the  acute  stage,  but  a  fine  counter-irritant  for 
pleurisy,  inflammation,  etc.:  Oil  of  spike,  2  oz.;  organum, 

2  oz.;  hemlock,  2  oz.;  wormwood,  2  oz.;  sweet  oil,  4  oz.; 
spirits  ammonia,  2  oz.;  gum  camphor,  2  oz.;  spirits  turpen- 
tine, 2  oz.;  proof  spirits,  i  quart — 90  per  cent.     Mix  well 
together,  and  bottle  tight. 

FOB  FRESH  STRAINS,  ETC. 

Carbonate  ammonate,  2  ounces;  apple  vinegar,  ^  gill. 
Rub  in  well. 


TO  ABATE   SWELLING  CAUSED  BY  AN  INJURY. 

Take  common  wormwood,  2  oz. ;  New  England  rum,  i 
quart.  Steep  the  wormwood  in  the  liquor  and  apply  thor- 
oughly. 

A  FINE  SIMPLE  LINIMENT. 

Two  parts  ammonia  to  4  parts  of  soft  water,  good  for 
strains,  etc. 


188  DISEASES    AND    THEIR   TREATMENT. 


THBUSH, 

This  is  a  rotting  of  the  frog,  with  a  discharge  of  matter 
from  the  cleft  or  division  of  the  frog,  occasionally  producing 
lameness.  The  treatment  is  simple  and  effectual.  Wash  the 
parts  well  with  soap  and  water,  then  apply  powdered 
sulphate  of  copper  to  the  parts,  and  fill  up  all  the  cavities 
with  cotton,  packed  in  so  as  to  keep  out  all  dirt.  This 
process  should  be  repeated  in  a  few  days  if  necessary. 

For  Thrush  or  Canker :  Burnt  alum,  4  oz. ;  sulphate  of 
iron,  2  oz.;  sulphate  of  copper,  i  oz.;  camphor,  2  drams. 
Mix. 

MAGIC  HEALING  PREPARATION. 

Burnt  alum,  ^  oz.;  prepared  chalk,  i  oz.;  pulverized  gum 
camphor,  i  dram;  calamine,  pulverized,  2  drams.  Mix. 

Sprinkle  on  the  sore.  Its  effect  will  be  apparently  wonder- 
ful, healing  a  simple  wound  in  a  few  hours. 

If  it  is  desired  to  cicatrice  a  wound  quickly,  this  is  to  be 
used.  Good  for  fresh  wounds,  galls  of  collar,  saddle,  or  in 
fact  for  any  purpose  requiring  a  fine  healing  astringent. 
This  is  the  receipt  for  the  wonderful  healing  powder  so 
much  advertised.  Its  effect  will  appear  wonderful  to  those 
not  accustomed  to  its  use.  It  is  just  the  thing  for  sore  or 
lacerated  mouths,  or  any  such  difficulty  requiring  great 
astringent  healing  properties. 


TO  BEDTJCE  SWELLING  OF  THE  LEGS  AND  STRENGTH- 
EN THE  TENDONS  AFTER  HARD  DRIVING. 

A  favorite  remedy  on  Long  Island.  One  pint  alcohol, 
i  ordinary  sized  beef  gall,  i  ounce  organum,  i  ounce  oil 
of  spike,  i  ounce  gum  myrrh,  ^  ounce  camphor  gum. 
First  wash  and  rub  clean  and  dry.  Then  bathe  with  the 
liniment  and  rub  dry.  Then  apply  again  and  bandage  the 
leg,  being  careful  not  to  bandage  too  tight. 

This  is  the  best  liniment  for  the  purpose  recommended  I 
have  ever  used.  It  should  be  kept  in  every  stable. 

This  is  a  splendid  remedy  for  the  above  purpose. 


DISEASES   AND   THEIR  TREATMENT.  189 

TO  KECKUIT  A  HOUSE   HIDE-BOUND   OB  OTHERWISE 
OUT  OF  SORTS. 

Nitrate  potassa  (or  saltpeter),  4  oz.;  crude  antimony, 
i  oz.;  sulphur,  3  oz.  Nitrate  of  potassa  and  antimony 
should  be  finely  pulverized,  then  add  the  sulphur,  and  mix 
the  whole  well  together.  Dose:  A  tablespoonful  of  the 
mixture  in  a  bran  mash  daily,  for  a  week  or  two. 

This  will  be  found  an  excellent  remedy.  It  was  given  me 
ten  years  ago,  by  Dr.  T.  Burton,  of  Fultonville,  N.  Y.,  (one 
of  the  most  successful  of  medical  practitioners,  and  not  only 
one  of  the  best  horsemen  with  whom,  in  my  varied  experi- 
ence, I  have  become  acquainted,  but  one  of  the  best  men  I 
have  ever  met,  and  to  whose  interest  and  encouragement  I 
am  more  than  to  any  other  single  cause  indebted  for  my  great 
success.  It  was  by  this  gentleman's  advice  that  I  made  a  se- 
ries of  models  with  which  to  illustrate  the  principles  of  shoe- 
ing, which  have  so  often  since  been  admired  by  horsemen. 
There  are  a  few  chance  acquaintances  I  have  made  during 
the  inception  of  a  checkered  career  in  my  profession,  the 
remembrance  of  whom  becomes  at  all  times  only  a  growing 
source  of  pleasure  and  encouragement,  but  chief  of  them 
all  stands  this  gentleman,  whose  encouraging  predictions  I 
now  take  the  liberty  of  acknowledging  in  this  connection, 
as  an  assurance  of  my  continued  appreciation  of  his  inter- 
est so  long  ago,  and  that  I  have  done  the  best  I  could  to 
prove  worthy  of  his  high,  flattering  assurance  of  my  future 
success.) 

CRACKED  HEELS. 

Two  ounces  resin,  2  ounces  copperas,  2  ounces  alum, 
i  ounce  beeswax,  i  pint  tar,  size  hen's  egg  of  tallow;  boil 
over  a  slow  fire,  skim  off  the  filth  and  add  the  scrapings  of 
sweet  elder  a  handful ;  when  cool,  fit  for  use. 

This  is  the  best  local  application  for  cracked  heels  or 
stuffing  of  the  heels  that  I  have  ever  used,  and  is  in  fact 
one  of  the  very  best  of  healing  preparations. 

Six  years  ago,  in  Ohio,  Turco  had  an  aggravated  crack- 
ing and  stuffing  of  heels  of  so  bad  a  character  that  I  feared 
stuffing  of  the  hoofs.  In  defiance  of  all  the  treatment  I 
could  then  think  of  for  cure,  I  was  compelled  to  poultice, 
and  did  so  continually,  using  a  variety  of  preparations, 


190  DISEASES   AND   THEIR   TREATMENT. 

including  charcoal  and  night  soil  as  experiments.  Of  course, 
I  could  now  manage  such  a  case  easily,  but  at  that  time  all 
my  efforts  were  baffled,  and  there  was  a  strong  prospect  of 
my  favorite  horse  I  then  valued  at  three  thousand  dollars, 
being  ruined. 

At  this  time,  an  old  gentleman  who  claimed  some  success 
as  a  "horse  doctor,"  saw  the  case,  and,  against  my  judg- 
ment, insisted  upon  using  this  remedy,  which  he  said  would 
cure  it  in  two  weeks,  and,  to  my  surprise  and  gratification, 
there  was  a  perfect  cure  in  less  than  that  time. 

There  was  no  internal  treatment  given.  It  will  be  found 
a  remedy  possessing  great  curative  virtues  for  this  purpose. 

In  treating  scratches  or  grease  heel,  a  local  treatment 
will  always  be  facilitated  powerfully,  and  is  almost  indis- 
pensable, by  giving  a  dose  of  physic. 

GREASE  HEELS. 

This  is  a  white,  offensive,  greasy  discharge  from  the  heels 
of  the  horse.  The  skin  becomes  hot,  tender  and  swollen. 
The  acrid  character  of  the  discharge  often  causes  large  por- 
tions of  the  skin  to  slough  away,  leaving  an  ugly  sore 
behind. 

Treatment. — Open  the  bowels  with  the  following  ball: 
Barbadoes  aloes,  i  oz.;  pulverized  gentian  root,  2  drams; 
pulverized  ginger,  i  dram;  water  sufficient  to  make  the 
ball.  Wash  the  parts  well,  and  poultice  for  two  or  three 
days  with  the  following :  Flax  seed  meal  mixed  with  a  solu- 
tion of  2  drams  sulphate  of  zinc  to  a  pint  of  water,  which 
keep  clean,  and  bathe  frequently  with  glycerine,  or  the  solu- 
tion of  zinc ;  or  a  solution  of  the  chloride  of  lime  may  be 
used ;  or  the  bichloride  of  mercury  may  be  used  in  inveter- 
ate cases  with  good  results,  provided  it  is  not  repeated 
oftener  than  once  a  week. 

CUKE  OF    SCRATCHES. 

Four  ounces  tincture  arnica,  4  ounces  glycerine.  If 
heels  are  cracked  badly,  add:  i  ounce  iodine,  2  ounces 
tincture  myrrh,  ^  ounce  gun  powder  (powdered  fine.) 
Put  all  into  a  bottle  and  shake  thoroughly ;  put  on  two  or 
three  times  a  day. 


DISEASES   AND    THEIR   TREATMENT.  191 

In  treating  scratches,  first  give  a  dose  of  physic,  or  a  few 
bran  mashes. 

CANKEB. 

This  is  a  more  aggravated  form  of  thrush,  often  proving 
very  troublesome  to  manage.  It  is  a  continuation  of  the 
thrush  between  the  horny  frog  and  the  internal  structures  of 
the  foot,  causing  separation  between  them. 

Treatment. — Cut  away  all  the  horn  which  has  been  sepa- 
rated from  the  soft  structures  of  the  foot,  and  apply  the 
following  ointment :  Take  equal  parts  of  pine  tar  and  lard, 
melt  over  a  slow  fire,  and  add  sulphuric  acid  very  slowly 
until  ebullition  (boiling)  ceases,  and  apply  to  the  parts. 
The  foot  must  be  protected  from  dirt  by  a  bandage  or  a 
leathern  boot. 

QUITTER. 

This  is  a  formation  of  pus  between  the  hoof  and  the  soft 
structure  within ;  a  sore  at  the  coronet  or  upper  part  of  the 
foot,  which  at  first  is  a  hard,  smooth  tumor,  soon  becoming 
soft,  and  breaks,  discharging  quantities  of  pus. 

Treatment. — Poultice  the  foot  for  several  days  with  flax 
seed  meal.  As  soon  as  the  hoof  becomes  soft,  cut  away  all 
loose  portions,  but  no  more,  and  inject  with  a  syringe 
either  of  the  following  once  a  day:  Chloride  of  zinc,  2 
drams,  dissolved  in  a  pint  of  water ;  or,  sulphate  of  zinc, 
1^/2,  drams,  in  a  pint  of  water;  or,  nitrate  of  silver,  2 
drams,  in  a  pint  of  water;  or  glycerine  may  be  used  with 
advantage.  Before  using  the  wash  have  the  foot  well 
cleaned  with  castile  soap  and  water. 

MANGE. 

Take  the  horse  in  the  sun  and  scrub  him  thoroughly  all 
over  with  castile  soap  and  water,  then  wash  him  well  from 
head  to  tail  with  gas  water,  in  which  put  2  drams  white  hel- 
lebore to  the  gallon.  He  must  now  be  put  in  another  stall, 
distant  from  the  one  in  which  he  has  been  standing.  Thus 
treated,  it  rarely  requires  more  than  one  washing  to  effect 
a  permanent  cure.  The  harness  should  be  thoroughly 
scrubbed  and  put  away  for  six  or  eight  weeks.  These  pre- 
cautions are  necessary  to  success  in  this  otherwise  trouble- 
some disease. 


192  DISEASES   AND    THEIR  TREATMENT. 

No.  2. — Oil  turpentine,  4  oz.;  oil  tar,  4  oz.;  linseed  oil, 
6  oz.     Mix. 


PREPARATION  TO  KILL  LICE  ON  HORSES. 

One  ounce  of  arsenic  to  a  pail  of  soft  water.  The  horse 
should  be  washed  thoroughly  in  some  warm  place.  It  is 
not  known  to  many  that  hen  lice  and  common  human  body 
lice  grow  on  horses  with  great  rapidity.  This  remedy  is  a 
sure  cure,  and  is  invaluable. 


NASAL  GLEET. 

This  is  a  chronic  discharge  from  one  or  both  nostrils,  of 
a  whitish,  muco-purulent  matter,  the  result  usually  of  neg- 
lected catarrh.  The  general  health  of  the  animal  does  not 
seem  to  suffer;  he  looks  well,  feeds  well  and  works  well, 
yet  we  have  this  discharge,  which  is  caused  by  weakness  in 
the  secretory  vessels  of  the  lining  membrane  of  the  nose. 

The  successful  treatment  in  all  cases  where  this  disorder 
has  existed  has  been  on  tonic  principle.  Bleeding  and 
purging  are  positively  injurious.  Give  one  of  the  following 
powders  night  and  morning:  Seaquin-chloride  of  iron,  2 
oz.;  powdered  cinnamon,  i  oz.  Mix  and  divide  into  four 
powders.  Or:  Carbonate  of  iron,  pulverized  gentian  and 
pulverized  quassia,  of  each  i  oz.  Divide  into  four  pow- 
ders. Or:  Nux  vomica,  pulverized,  ^  oz.;  linseed  meal, 
2  oz.  Divide  into  eight  powders.  Another  good  prepara- 
tion is:  Muriate  of  barytes,  ^  oz.;  linseed  meal,  i  oz. 
Divide  into  eight  powders.  The  last  is  best. 

CAUSTICS 

Are  substances  which  burn  away  the  tissues  of  the  body 
by  decomposition  of  their  elements,  and  are  valuable  to 
destroy  fungous  growth  and  set  up  healthy  action. 

Corrosive  sublimate,  in  powder,  acts  energetically. 

Nitrate  of  silver  is  excellent  to  lower  granulation. 

Sulphate  of  copper,  not  so  strong  as  the  above,  but  good. 

Chloride  of  zinc  is  a  powerful  caustic.  It  may  be  used 
in  sinuses,  in  solution,  7  drams  in  a  pint  of  water. 


DISEASES   AND   THEIR   TREATMENT.  193 

MILDEB  CAUSTICS. 

Verdigris,  either  in  powder  or  mixed  with  lard,  as  an 
ointment,  in  proportion  of  one  to  three. 

If  a  wound  or  an  ulcer  will  not  heal  so  long  as  there  is  a 
foreign  body,  or  unhealthy  growth  in  it ;  hence,  if  a  wound 
or  puncture  from  any  cause,  there  must  be  a  removal  of 
hair,  pieces  of  wood,  bone,  etc.  No  matter  what  you  do, 
if  any  foreign  body  remains  in  the  wound,  it  will  not  heal. 
This  done,  wash  it  or  inject  with  warm  water  and  castile 
soap,  after  which  the  regular  digestive  ointment  can  be 
used,  or  a  mild  solution  of  any  of  the  remedies  recom- 
mended for  the  purpose.  But  if  fungous  growths  cannot 
be  removed  with  the  knife,  a  caustic  becomes  necessary,  a 
little  of  which  is  to  be  put  on  the  part,  or  into  the  sinews. 
Carrying  this  treatment  to  extreme  implies  using  a  hot  iron, 
(The  actual  cautery.) 

FARC5T— CUKE  OF. 

One-quarter  pound  sulphur,  ^  pound  saltpeter,  i  ounce 
black  antimony.  If  acute,  give  one  tablespoonful  twice  a 
day.  If  sub-acute,  once  6"r  twice  a  week. 

The  sum  of  $50  was  repeatedly  paid  for  this  prescription, 
and  it  has  made  some  marked  cures.  It  is  regarded  as 
specific  for  farcy  in  the  portion  of  Ohio  in  which  I  obtained 
it.  In  two  instances,  gentlemen  who  have  used  it  in  the 
treatment  of  farcy  have  informed  me  it  cured,  and  ex- 
pressed themselves  as  valuing  it  worth  $50. 

The  following  is  my  regular  treatment  for  this  formidable 
disease : 

Three  drams  of  powdered  sulphate  of  copper,  given  every 
night  in  the  food,  until  the  animal  refuses  to  eat.  After  a 
few  days  repeat,  but  if  the  case  is  bad  give  the  medicine  in 
water  as  a  drench,  for  ten  days,  if  he  will  not  take  it  in  his 
food. 

CONDITION  POWDEKS. 

Take  i  pound  of  ginger,  i  ounce  of  anise  seed,  pulver- 
ized, i  ounce  of  fenugreek  seed,  2  ounces  of  ginseng  root, 
pulverized,  i  ounce  of  the  seed  of  sumach  berries,  pulver- 
ized,  i   ounce  of  antimony;    mix  it  with  one  pound  of 
9 


194  DISEASES   AND    THEIR   TREATMENT. 

brown  sugar.  This  is  excellent  for  coughs,  colds,  or  to 
give  a  horse  an  appetite. 

TO  CUKE  COUGH— NO.  2.    EXCELLENT. 

Put  all  the  tar  into  alcohol  it  will  cut,  and  add  one-third 
in  quantity  of  tincture  belladonna.  Dose:  From  one  to 
two  teaspoonfuls  once  or  twice  a  day.  Very  good. 

TO  CUBE  COUGH— NO.  3. 

Take  tartar  emetic,  i  oz.;  resin,  2  oz.;  bloodroot,  i  oz.; 
salts  of  tartar,  2  oz.;  ginger,  2  oz.  Mix,  and  give  a  tea- 
spoonful  three  times  a  day,  in  the  feed. 

COUGH  POWDER. 

Fenugreek,  ginger,  licorice  and  bloodroot,  equal  parts. 
Half  proportion  lobelia  and  camphor  may  be  added.  Dose, 
tablespoonful  twice  a  day.  For  heaves,  add  more  camphor. 

DIURETIC  DROPS 

• 

that  are  reliable  for  stoppage  of  water,  foul  water,  or  in- 
flammation of  the  kidneys,  in  all  cases : 

Take  of  sweet  spirits  of  nitre,  4  oz.;  balsam  copaiba, 
2  oz.;  oil  of  juniper,  2  oz.;  spirits  of  turpentine,  2  oz.; 
gum  camphor,  pulverized,  i  oz.  Mix  all  together,  and 
shake  well,  bottle,  and  it  is  fit  for  use  for  -man  or  beast, 
under  all  cirumcstances  where  a  diuretic  is  required. 

Dose :  For  a  horse,  i  oz.  in  half  a  pint  of  milk  once  in 
six  hours ;  for  a  man,  i  teaspoonful  in  a  tablespoonful  of 
milk  once  in  six  hours. 

Be  sure  to  shake  the  ingredients  up  w'ell  before  turning 
out  for  use. 

THE  PULSE. 

The  beating,  as  it  is  termed,  of  the  heart,  and  that  of  an 
artery,  tells  the  exact  condition  of  the  circulation  and  of 
the  health,  to  the  experienced  practitioner. 

In  a  state  of  health  the  pulse  is  from  36  to  40  in  a  min- 
ute. It  will  be  felt  easiest  and  best  at  the  lower  jaw,  a 


DISEASES   AND    THEIR   TREATMENT. 


195 


little  behind  where  the  sub-maxiliary  artery  and  vein  come 
from  the  under  jaw.  Pass  the  finger  down  the  jaw,  up  near 
the  neck  on  the  inner  edge,  and  you  will  feel  a  cord-like 
ridge,  and  upon  quietly  but  firmly  pressing  it  you  will  feel 
it  throb  or  beat.  Each  contraction  of  the  heart  forces  a 
jet  of  blood  through  the  arteries  throughout  the  system. 
The  arteries  are  strong  elastic  tubes,  which  expand  as  the 
blood  is  forced  through  them,  but  contract  again  as  soon 
as  the  volume  of  blood  passes,  forming  a  beat  which  can 
be  plainly  felt  under  the  finger  at  this  point.  It  is  highly 
important  to  understand  the  condition  of  the  circulation 
to  treat  diseases,  especially  of  an  acute  character,  success- 
fully. 

Frequent  reference  is  made  to  the  state  of  the  pulse  in 
different  diseases,  such  as  colic,  pneumonia,  laminitis,  &c., 
&c.  Hence  it  should  be  studied  carefully.  For  example, 
during  the  early  stage  of  colic,  the  pulse  will  be  hardly  af- 
fected, and  the  ears  and  legs  will  be  natural  in  tempera- 
ture; while  in  inflammation  of  the  bowels  the  pulse  will  be 
quick  and  wiry,  ears  and  legs  cold,  &c.  In  fever  it  is 
quick,  wiry  and  light,  indicating  the  extreme  or  not  of  ob- 
struction in  the  circulation. 


BLEEDING-. 


For  general  bleeding  the  jugular  vein  is  selected.  The 
horse  is  blindfolded,  or  his  head  turned  away;  the  hair  is 
smoothed  along  the  course  of  the  vein  with  a  moistened 


Raising  the  Vein. 


196 


DISEASES    AND   THEIR   TREATMENT. 


finger,  then  with  the  third  and  little  ringers  of  the  left  hand, 
which  holds  the  fleam,  pressure  is  made  on  the  vein  suffi- 
ciently to  bring  it  into  view,  but  not  to  swell  it  too  much. 
The  point  to  be  selected  is  about  two  inches  below  the 


Bleeding  from  the  Neck  Vein. 

union  of  the  jugular  vein  at  the  angle  of  the  jaw.  (See  cut.) 
The  fleam  is  put  in  a  direct  line  with  the  vein  at  the  center, 
when  it  is  to  be  hit  sharply  with  a  stick.  See 
that  the  fleam  is  large,  sharp  and  clean,  for  if 
rusty  or  dull,  inflammation  of  the  vein  might 
result.  It  is  of  great  importance  that  the 
blood  be  drawn  quickly.  When  sufficient 
blood  has  been  taken,  the  edges  of  the  wound 
should  be  brought  closely  together,  and  kept 
together  by  a  small  sharp  pin  being  passed 
through  them.  Around  this  a  little  tow  or  a 
few  hairs  from  the  mane  of  the  horse  should 
be  wrapped,  so  as  to  cover  the  whole  of  the 
incision,  and  the  head  of  the  horse  should  be 
tied  up  for  several  hours,  to  prevent  his  rub- 
bing the  part  against  the  manger.  When  the 
bleeding  is  to  be  repeated,  if  more  than  three 
or  four  hours  have  elapsed,  it  will  be  more 
prudent  to  make  a  fresh  incision,  rather  than  to  open  the 
old  wound. 


pin  is  first 
stuck  through 
the  lips  of  the 
wound ;  a  por- 
tion of  tow, 
thread  or  hair 
is  then  wrap- 
ped round  the 
pin. 


VALUABLE   MISCELLANEOUS   RECEIPTS.  197 

PHYSICING. 

It  is  always  best,  if  possible,  to  prepare  the  horse  for 
physic  by  giving  a  bran  mash  twenty-four  hours  previously, 
as  the  medicine  will  act  more  favorably  and  there  is  less 
danger  of  superpurgation.  Five  drams  of  aloes  (Barbadoes 
aloes  are  always  used  for  horses)  will  act  as  forcibly  after  a 
mash  as  seven  without.  Again,  the  quantity  of  physic  should 
be  adapted  to  age  and  size.  The  rule  is  to  give  one  dram 
for  each  year  up  to  seven.  Eight  drams  is  the  largest  given 
at  one  dose. 

Physic  Ball:  Barbadoes  aloes,  pulverized,  7  drams;  bar 
soap,  4  drams ;  ginger,  i  dram.  The  usual  way  is  to  mix 
the  ingredients  in  this  proportion,  then  reduce  to  the  weight 
intended  and  give. 

For  Alterative  Balls  simply  give  from  one  to  two  or  three 
ounces  of  mass,  as  above  prepared,  two  or  three  times  a 
week,  for  a  week  or  two. 

For  Worms :  Give  4  drams  aloes,  i  dram  tartar  emetic,  2 
drams  ginger,  about  the  size  of  a  bean  of  calomel,  and 
molasses  enough  to  make  into  a  ball.  To  be  given  every 
morning  for  three  days. 


VALUABLE  MISCELLANEOUS  RECEIPTS. 
The  following  remedies  will  be  found  excellent: 

DBENCH  FOB  DIABBHCEA. 

Opium,  i  dram;  prepared  chalk,  i  oz.;  compound  pow- 
der of  tragacanth,  i  oz.;  mint  water,  i  pint. 

MEBCUBIAL  ALTERATIVE  BALLS. 

Calomel,  ^  dram ;  aloes,  i  dram ;  castile  soap,  2  drams ; 
oil  of  juniper,  30  drops;  syrup  to  form  a  ball. 

ASTRINGENT  BALLS. 

Catechu,  ^  ounce ;  alum,  3  drams ;  cascarilla,  2  drams ; 
flour,  2  drams;  treacle. 


198  VALUABLE   MISCELLANEOUS    RECEIPTS. 

DBENCHES  TO  PKOMOTE  PABTUBITION 

Ergot  of  rye  in  fine  powder,  2  or  3  drams ;  pennyroyal 
water  or  infusion  of  rue,  i  quart. 

FOB  DIABETES. 

Opium,  i  dram;  ginger,  2  drams;  oak  bark,  p.  i  oz.; 
decoction  of  oak  bark,  i  pint. 

COBDIAL  AND  ANODYNE  BALL. 

Castile  soap,  3  drams ;  camphor,  2  drams ;  ginger,  i  ^ 
dram,  and  Venice  turpentine,  6  drams,  made  into  i  ball. 

ABOMATIC  POWDEB. 

Caraway,  6  oz.;  pimento,  4  oz.;  ginger,  2  oz.;  licorice, 
2  oz.  Mix.  Dose,  6  to  8  drams. 

COOLING  AND  DIUBETIC  DBINK. 

Dissolve  i  ounce  of  nitre  in  a  pail  of  water. 

TONIC  BALL  (VEGETABLE  TONIC). 

Peruvian  bark,  i  ounce;  opium,  ^  dram;  ginger,  i^ 
dram;  oil  of  caraway,  20  drops.  Treacle  to  form  a  ball. 

DIUBETIC  ALTEBATIVE  BALLS. 

Dried  common  soda,  i  oz. ;  castile  soap,  6  drams;  resin, 
2  oz.;  licorice  powder,  yz  oz.;  Barbadoes  tar,  to  form  6 
balls.  One  daily. 

LAXATIVE  ALTEBATIVE   BALLS. 

Aloes,  4  oz. ;  soft  soap,  4  oz. ;  common  moss,  24  oz. 
Mix.  Dose  i  oz. 


VALUABLE   MISCELLANEOUS   RECEIPTS.  199 

BALLS  FOB  APPETITE. 

Equal  weights  of  assafcetida,  saffron,  bay  berries,  and 
aloes,  made  into  a  mass  with  extract  of  gentian.  Dose  i  oz. 

ANODYNE  BALL. 

Opium  YZ  dram  to  i  dram;  camphor,  i  dram;  anise 
seed,  Y*  oz.;  soft  extract  of  licorice. 

CORDIAL  BALLS. 

Ginger  and  gentian,  equal  parts ;  treacle  to  form  a  mass. 
Dose,  i  oz.  to  i^  oz. 

Ginger  and  caraway,  each  4  Ibs. ;  gentian,  i  Ib. ;  palm 
oil,  4}1  Ibs.  Beat  together.  Dose,  i  oz.  to  i^  oz. 

MIXED  BALLS,  CORDIAL  ASTRINGENT  BALLS. 

Catechu,  i  dram;  opium,  10  grains.     To  WASH  HORSES 

BEFORE  OR  AFTER  A  JOURNEY. 

DIURETIC  BALLS. 

Resin  soap  and  nitre,  of  each  equal  parts,  beaten  together 
into  a  mass.  Dose,  i  oz.  to  i^  oz. 

White  soap,  8  oz. ;  nitre,  3  oz. ;  3  resin,  oz.;  camphor, 
3  drams ;  oil  of  juniper,  3  drams.  For  6  balls,  one  every 
morning  or  every  other  morning. 

TONIC  DIURETIC  BALL. 

Gentian,  i  dram;  ginger,  ^  dram;  sulphate  of  iron,  2 
drams ;  nitre,  ^  oz. ;  resin,  y^  oz.  Mix  with  molasses. 

FEVER  BALLS. 

Emetic  tartar,  YZ  dram ;  camphor,  ^  dram ;  nitre,  2 
drams ;  ginger,  3  drams.  Mix  in  ball. 


200  VALUABLE   MISCELT  JLl.^JS   RECEIPTS. 

Antimonial  powder,  2  drams;  nitre,  3  drams;  cream 
tartar,  2  drams ;  honey  to  form  a  ball.  In  influenza  twice 
a  day,  after  a  mild  laxative. 

BALLS  FOB  FABCY  AND  GLANDERS. 

Sulphate  of  copper,  i  dram ;  calomel,  20  grains ;  common 
turpentine,  3  drams;  licorice  powder  and  syrup  to  form  a 
ball. 

Sulphate  of  iron,  2  drams;  iodide  of  potassium,  10  gr.; 
gentian,  2  drams;  ginger,  i  dram,  and  treacle  to  form  a 
ball. 

COUGH  BALLS. 

Emetic  tartar,  ^  dram;  digitalis,  ^  dram;  nitre,  i^ 
dram;  tar  enough  to  form  a  ball.  One  every  night. 

Powdered  squills,  i  dram;  gum  ammoniac,  3  drams; 
opium,  y?,  dram ;  syrup  to  form  a  ball. 

FOB  BLOODY  UBINE. 

Acetate  of  lead,  10  gr.;  sulphate  of  zinc,  40  gr.;  catechu, 
4  drams ;  conserve  of  roses  to  form  a  ball.  One  daily. 

FOB  DIABETES. 

« 

Catechu,  ^  oz.;  alum,  ^  dram;  sugar  of  lead,  10  gr.; 
with  conserve  of  roses  to  form  a  ball. 


ANODYNE  DBENCHES. 

Opium,  i  dram,  dissolved  in  warm  water,  ^  pint ;    add 
i  quart  of  starch  gruel. 

Mix  tincture  of  opium,  i  oz.  with  sweet  spirits  of  nitre, 
i^  oz.;  ess.  peppermint,  i  dram,  and  water,  i  pint. 


VALUABLE   MISCELLANEOUS   RECEIPTS.  201 

WOBM  POWDEBS 

Sulphur,  i  oz.;  tartar  emetic,  4  drams ;  common  salt, 
8  oz. ,  liver  of  antimony,  i  oz.  Mix  for  6  doses ;  i  daily, 
in  wetted  corn. 

TO  CUBE  AN  INDOLENT  ULCEB. 

Take  the  green  scum  that  gathers  on  the  water  in  the 
frog  ponds  in  the  spring  and  summer ;  boil  over  a  slow  fire ; 
then  add  fresh  butter  to  the  consistence  of  an  ointment. 
This  is  an  Indian  remedy;  cured  an  ulcer  of  seventeen 
years'  standing  that  had  resisted  all  other  treatment. 

The  gentleman  whom  it  cured  deemed  it  so  valuable,  and 
desiring  to  benefit  those  that  may  be  similarly  afflicted,  re- 
quested that  I  would  put  it  in  my  book. 

For  a  lacerated  wound  and  bruise,  I  have  found  the 
following  so  effective  a  remedy  that  I  insert  it.  It  has  a 
peculiarly  soothing,  healing  effect.  I  once  had  one  of  my 
big  toes  crushed  by  a  heavy  horse  stepping  upon  it ;  under 
like  circumstances,  previously  found  even  arnica  or  lauda- 
num to  afford  the  desired  relief;  by  pouring  some  of  this 
on  the  part,  wetting  the  stocking,  in  fifteen  minutes  I  had 
no  pain,  and  had  no  trouble  afterwards : 

Simple  tincture  of  marigold,  called  callendula,  reduced 
one-third  to  one-half  with  soft  water.  Bathe  the  part  re- 
peatedly with  it.  It  possesses  remarkable  healing  qualities. 

% 

QBAIN  FOUNDEB— CUBE  OF. 

Take  three  pints  of  vinegar,  into  which  put  six  red  pep- 
per pods,  and  boil  until  reduced  to  one  quart.  When  cool, 
give  as  a  drench.  Blanket  the  horse  warmly.  This  will 
put  the  horse  in  a  profuse  perspiration,  and  perform  a  per- 
fect cure.  The  gentleman  of  whom  I  got  this,  cured  a 
valuable  horse  that  got  into  his  granary  and  ate  so  much 
grain  that  he  was  in  the  morning  perfectly  stiff.  One  dose 
made  a  perfect  cure.  He  said  he  would  not  be  without  it 
for  one  hundred  dollars. 
9* 


202  VALUABLE   MISCELLANEOUS   RECEIPTS. 

CONDITION  POWDER. 

One-half  pound  grains  paradise,  ground;  ^  Hb.  ground 
ginger;  ^  Ib.  powdered  gentian;  6  oz.  cumin  seed,  ground; 
6  oz.  fenugreek,  ground;  6  oz.  carbonate  soda;  6  Ifos. 
common  brown  sugar;  i^  K>s.  salt.  Put  in  one  hundred 
pounds  of  meal.  Dose:  one  pint  to  be  given  with  the 
usual  food. 

This  is  considered  one  of  the  best  tonic  condition  pow- 
ders ever  used.  It  is  sold  in  .the  eastern  cities  at  a  large 
price,  under  the  name  of  Condition  Food,  and  is  held  as  a 
secret  of  great  value.  I  have  known  $50  to  be  refused  for 
the  receipt. 


CONTENTS. 


PACK. 

Adaptation  of  Horses  for  different  uses 37 

Appliances  for  Subjection 99 

Applying  War  Bridle 99 

Applying  Bandage 156 

Absorbing  Blister,  Powerful 171 

Anodyne  Liniment 187 

Astringent  Balls 197 

Aromatic  Powder ". 198 

Anodyne  Ball 199 

Anodyne  Drenches 200 

Bitting i 48 

Bitting  Harness 49 

Backing 53 

Breaking  Horses 72 

Breaking  Kickers 75 

Balking 83 

Biting  and  Striking 92 

Breaking  the  Halter  Puller 92 

Breeding 106 

Bonner's  Plan  of  Feeding  Dexter 1 16 

Bar  Shoe  for  Corns 137 

Broken  Wind 163 

Bone  Spavin 168 

Blisters  for  Spavin,  etc 170 

Blood  Spavin 174 

Bog  Spavin 174 

Bloody  Urine 181 

Butter  of  Antimony 186 

Bleeding 195 

Balls  for  Appetite 199 

Balls  for  Farcy  and  Glanders 200 

Conditions  of  Success f 24 

Cause  and  Treatment  of  Fear 57 

Chilian  and  South  American  Methods 66 

Cure  for  Balking 84 

Cribbing 94 

Cure  a  Trotter  of  Breaking 104 

Cuts,  Showing  Formation  of  Foot 124 

Contraction  of  the  Feet 132 


204  CONTENTS. 


Convex  Shoe  for  Contracted  Feet 135 

Corns 136  and  179 

Certificate  from  Dr.  William  Somerville 143 

Colic 146 

Colic  and  Inflammation  of  Bowels  Contrasted 146 

Congestion  of  the  Lungs 149 

Catarrh  or  Cold 155 

Cure  for  Heaves 164 

Cure  for  Roaring  or  Whistling 165 

Cure  for  Spavin  and  Ringbone 171 

Curbs 175 

Coffin  Joint  Lameness  ." ,    175 

Cuts  and  Wounds 104 

Cooling  Liniment  for  External  Inflammation 185 

Cracked  Heels 189 

Cure  of  Scratches 190 

Canker 191 

Caustics 192 

Condition  Powders 193  and  202 

Cure  of  Farcy 193 

Cough  Powder 194 

Cure  for  Cough,  No.  2  and  3 194 

Cordial  and  Anodyne  Ball 198 

Cooling  and  Diuretic  Drink 198 

Cough  Balls 200 

Cure  for  Indolent  Ulcers 201 

Cure  of  Grain  Founder 201 

Disposition,  Peculiarities  and  Extremes  of 30 

Driving  in  Harness 50 

Double  Driving 53 

Diseases  and  their  Treatment 143 

Dr.  Burton's  Remedy  for  Colic 147 

Distemper 156 

Digestive  Ointment 184 

Diuretic  Drops 194 

Drench  for  Diarrhoea 197 

Drenches  to  Promote  Parturition 198 

Diuretic  Alterative  Balls 198 

Diuretic  Balls 199 

Educated  Horses 5 

Education  of  Horses,  New  System  of 10 

Excessive  Fear  must  be  Prevented 25 

Extreme  Cases  of  Fear 57 

Excitement  not  Admissible 65 

Effect  of  Kindness 86 

Excessive  Rasping  Bad 130 

Eight-tailed  Bandage 152 

Eye  Wash,  Excellent 183 

First  Impressions  are  Strongest 26 

Fear,  Causes  and  Treatment  of 57 


CONTENTS.  205 

PAGE. 

Fear  of  a  Robe 60 

Fear  of  Umbrella,  or  Sound  of  Gun 61 

Fear  of  Railroad  Cars 61 

Fear  of  Objects  while  Driving 61 

Four  Ring  Bit 100 

Foot  Strap 100 

Feeding 113 

Flatulent  Colic 148 

For  an  Attack  of  Pleurisy 152 

Founder 161 

Favorite  Remedies  for  Heaves 164 

Fistula  of  the  Withers 166 

Firing 172 

Farcy,  Cure  of 193 

For  Diabetes 198  and  200 

Fever  Balls 199 

For  Bloody  Urine 200 

Getting  Cast  in  Stall 95 

Grease  Heels 153 

Grain  Founder,  Cure  of 201 

Horses  should  be  Educated,  not  Broken 26 

Horses  should  be  Proved  before  Using 36 

Haltering  the  Colt 46 

Hitching  the  Colt 47 

Hitching  to  Wagon  Poles 51 

Handling  the  Feet 55 

Hints  for  Watering 1 16 

Hints  on  Shoeing 127 

How  to  Nail  a  Shoe  Properly 131 

Heaves 163 

Hoof  Liniment  for  Contracted  or  Sore  Feet 179 

Hip  Lameness , 180 

Healing  Ointment,  for  Cuts,  Galls,  etc 185 

How  to  Bleed  a  Horse 196 

Importance  of  Kindness 29 

Importance  of  Preventing  Fear 35 

Impression  upon  the  Brain 68 

Interfering    138 

Interfering  Shoe 138 

Interfering  Pad 139 

Inflammation  of  the  Lungs 149 

Inflammation  of  the  Bowels 157 

Inflammation  of  the  Kidneys 158 

Inflammation  of  the  Bladder 160 

Inflammation  of  the  Brain 160 

Inflammation  of  the  Eyes 183 

Jumping  over  Fence 96 

Kindness,  Importance  of 29 

Kicking  in  Harness 75 

Kicking  Straps 78 


206  CONTENTS. 

PAGE. 

Kicking  while  Harnessing 81 

Kicking  while  Grooming 81 

Kicking  while  Shoeing 8 1 

Kindness,  Effect  of 86 

Kicking  while  in  the  Stall 89 

Kicking  against  the  Stall g8 

Kicking  Cows 08 

Laminitis 161 

Locked  Jaw,  or  Tetanus 165 

Lameness 177 

Liniment  for  Open  Wounds 185 

Liniment  for  Foul  Ulcers 185 

Liniment  for  Galled  Shoulders  or  Back 186 

Liniment  for  Strains,  etc 187 

Laxative  Alterative  Balls 198 

Moral  bearing 43 

Mounting  the  Colt 54 

Must  See  Objects  from  Different  Positions 63 

Mare 109 

Make  Follow  with  Whip 118 

Mad  Staggers 160 

Magic  Liniment 187 

Magic  Healing  Preparation 188 

Mange 191 

Milder  Caustics 193 

Miscellaneous  Receipts 197 

Mercurial  Alterative  Balls 197 

Mixed  Balls,  Cordial  Astringent  Balls 199 

New  System  of  Educating  Horses 10 

Notices  of  the  Press  and  People 1 1 

Natural  Adaptation  Regarded 38 

Not  Being  Afraid  of  Horses 39 

Nailing  the  Shoes 132 

Nasal  Gleet 192 

Old  Methods  of  Subjection 27 

Overdraw  Check *. 80 

Oats  vs.  Corn  for  Feed 114 

Opening  an  Abscess 157 

Preface 3 

Prof.  Magner's  Educated  Horses 5 

Preliminary  Hints 24 

Peculiarities  and  Extremes  of  Disposition 30 

Pole  Applied  for  Balkers 88 

Pulling  on  the  Halter 91 

Prevent  Getting  Cast  in  Stall 95 

Putting  Tongue  out  of  Mouth 95 

Prevent  Jumping  Fences 97 

Pawing  in  the  Stall 98 

Pleurisy 149 

Poll  Evil  and  Fistula  of  the  Withers 166 


CONTENTS.  207 


Powder  for  Spavin  and  Ringbone 171 

Powerful  Absorbing  Blister 171 

Pricking  in  Shoeing 177 

Profuse  staling 181 

Preparation  to  Kill  Lice  on  Horses 192 

Pulse 194 

Physicing 197 

Quarter  Crack 138 

Quitter 191 

Subjection,  Old  Methods  of 27 

Subjection 65 

Sensitive  and  Flighty 70 

Stabling no 

Shoeing 123 

Structure  of  the  Foot 124 

Shoes  Made  Concave 128 

Shoes  Concave  are  Injurious 133 

Shoes 140 

Spasmodic  Colic 145 

Symptoms  of  Colic 146 

Symptoms  of  Pneumonia 151 

Symptoms  of  Inflammation  of  Bowels 157 

Strangles 156 

Staggers 160 

Sweeny 167 

Spavin , 168 

Strong  Blister  for  Spavins,  Ringbone,  etc 170 

Sweating  Liniment  for  Windgalls,  etc 170 

Sweating  Blister  for  Curbs,  Splints,  etc 171 

Splints 174 

Sprain  of  the  Back  Sinews 175 

Shoulder  Strains 178 

Shoulder  Lameness 178 

Stepping  on  Nails,  Glass,  etc 180 

Scours,  or  Purging 181 

Spasmodic  Action  of  the  Diaphragm 181 

Symptoms  of  Worms 182 

Sprains  and  Bruises 186 

Sticking  Plaster  for  Cuts,  Wounds,  etc 186 

Thoroughness  Necessary 41 

The  Wild  Colt,  Training 45 

Treatment  of  Fear 57 

Turning  Around , 73 

Test  Kickers  Repeatedly 76 

To  Work  a  Balker  Single 89 

The  Jumper oj 

Treating  a  Halter  Puller 92 

Training  in  the  Trot 102 

Trotting IO2 

To  Force  on  the  Trot 104 


208  CONTENTS. 

PAGE. 

The  Breeding  Mare 109 

Teaching  Tricks 118 

Teaching  to  Follow 118 

To  make  Follow  with  Whip 118 

Teaching  to  Lie  Down 1 20 

Teaching  to  Sit  Up 120 

Teaching  to  Make  a  Bow 121 

Teaching  to  say  Yes  and  No. . . 121 

Teaching  to  Kiss  You 121 

Teaching  Horse  to  Dance 122 

Teaching  Horse  to  Waltz 122 

The  Foot 123 

The  Hoofs,  Cuts  of 124 

Tyrrel's  Patent  Shoe  for  Contracted  Feet 136 

Treatment  for  Corns *.. . .  137 

Testing  for  Corn 137 

Tympanites 148 

Typhoid  Pneumonia 151 

Treatment  for  Inflammation  of  the  Kidneys 159 

Treatment  for  Founder 162 

Tetanus,  or  Locked  Jaw 165 

Treatment  for  Bone  Spavin 169 

Thoroughpin 1 74 

Treatment  for  Ringbone 176 

Thumps 181 

Tape  Worms 182 

To  Abate  Swellings  from  Injuries 187 

Thrush 188 

To  Recruit  a  Horse  Hide-bound,  etc 189 

The  Pulse 194 

Tonic  Ball  (Vegetable) 198 

Tonic  Diuretic  Ball 199 

Using  Blinders 62 

Valuable  Miscellaneous  Receipts 197 

Worst  Horses 69 

War  Bridle 99 

Watering 1 16 

Weak  Heels 139 

Whistling,  Cure  of 165 

Worms 182 

Wash  for  Fresh  Wounds 185 

Wash  for  Inflamed  Wounds 186 

Worm  Powders 201 


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